Italy will definitely stay at home: Infantino puts his foot down on the Iran issue

Despite ongoing Middle East hostilities and a US strike, Iran’s national team is still scheduled to compete in the upcoming World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada (11 June–19 July).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed at the opening of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
The statement followed fresh rumours that Iran might be left out after its delegation cancelled its attendance at the congress, prompting speculation that Italy—already eliminated—could step in.