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FIFA chief Gianni Infantino says there is no plan B if Iran withdraws from the 2026 World Cup, and rejects pleas to relocate their games from the US amid rising political tensions
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (AFP)
FIFA has thrown a curveball into an already tense build-up to the 2026 World Cup — with Gianni Infantino making it crystal clear there’s no fallback if Iran pulls out of the tournament.
Simply put: there is “no plan B.”
Political Tensions Cloud Preparations
Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, set to kick off in June, has been cast into doubt amid escalating tensions in the Middle East — a situation that was intensified following joint airstrikes by the US and Israel targeting Iran.
Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, didn’t mince words, calling the current situation “impossible” for the national team to navigate in terms of participation. Across the aisle, US President Donald Trump struck a more measured tone, saying Iran would be welcome — but hinting that security concerns could complicate matters.
Iran, however, isn’t backing down. Iranian officials fired back on social media, insisting that “no one can exclude” them from football’s biggest stage, reminding critics that the World Cup is FIFA’s domain and not any one nation’s.
That stance has since been formalised. Iran have made it clear they won’t withdraw from the tournament, but they’re equally firm on avoiding matches in the United States. Football federation chief Mehdi Taj framed it as a “boycott” of the U.S., not the World Cup itself.
FIFA’s response? There will be no reshuffling of venues or schedules. If Iran does participate, they will do so under the existing plan with no exceptions.
In case they don’t, Team Melli can/will face possible sanctions and fines from the governing body.
Infantino’s Renewed Take
Infantino has doubled down on his position, stressing that football should rise above political turbulence, even if the “real world” makes things messy.
Speaking to N+, Infantino said: “Iran represents its people, those who live in Iran and those who live abroad. They qualified for this World Cup on the field… It’s a football-mad country.”
He reiterated FIFA’s stance in no uncertain terms.
“We want them to play; they will play in the World Cup, and there are no plans B, C, or D; it’s plan A.”
While acknowledging the situation is “very complicated,” Infantino insisted FIFA is working to ensure Iran can compete “in the best conditions.”
For now, the World Cup is scheduled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
March 31, 2026, 3:42 PM IST
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