FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Iran’s national soccer team on Tuesday, marking his first engagement with the squad since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on the country a month ago. During the meeting, Infantino expressed FIFA’s unwavering support for Iran’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup.
Infantino held discussions with Iranian players and soccer federation officials after arriving in Antalya, Turkey, where the team played one of its last warm-up matches ahead of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting June 11.
In a social media post following his visit, Infantino emphasized FIFA’s commitment to ensuring that all teams, including Iran, are in optimal condition for the World Cup. His remarks were made after he departed Turkey on Tuesday.
Strong Emotions Surround Friendly Match
As the Iranian national anthem played before a friendly match against Costa Rica, players and officials—including coach Amir Galenoei and federation vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi—displayed photos of children believed to have died in the recent airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel, which commenced on February 28.
This ongoing conflict has incited a flurry of conflicting statements over the past month from Iranian authorities, soccer officials, and U.S. President Donald Trump, raising doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
Iran is set to play two group stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle. However, Iranian officials have proposed relocating the team’s match to Mexico after President Trump advised against their participation, citing safety concerns.
No Alternative Plans for World Cup Participation
Despite the uncertainty, FIFA leadership has reiterated that Iran will adhere to its scheduled World Cup dates. Infantino reassured stakeholders while speaking to broadcaster N+ Univision in Mexico City over the weekend that there exists only one “Plan A,” dismissing any alternative options for Iran’s participation, as previously agreed upon in December after the World Cup draw.
Infantino stated, “We want them to participate. There is no Plan B, C, or D. Plan A is the only plan.” He acknowledged the geopolitical complexities at play while emphasizing that FIFA’s role is to foster unity. He stated, “Iran represents its people, both those living in the country and abroad. They qualified for this World Cup through their athletic achievements and are a football nation. Our mission is to unite peoples as a bridge for peace.”
Broader Implications Amidst Regional Tensions
The backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East complicates global diplomacy and economic conditions. Iran is recognized as a powerhouse in Asian soccer, and many believe they stand a considerable chance of advancing to the finals, contingent upon their performance against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the group stage. Should they succeed, a potential matchup against the U.S. could occur in the Round of 32.
On Tuesday, Iran showcased its prowess by defeating Costa Rica 5-0 in a closed-door match following their meeting with Infantino at a hotel. The players also honored victims of the devastating missile attack on a primary school in southern Iran, which killed over 165 individuals, mostly children, by wearing small backpacks before their next warm-up match against Nigeria.
Neither the United States nor Israel has accepted culpability for the February 28 attack, which has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and several human rights organizations. The U.S. military has stated it is conducting an investigation and insists it would never target civilians.
