04/15/26 04:04:00
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04/15 16:02 CDT FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World
Cup 'for sure' despite war
FIFA president Infantino says Iran will participate in World Cup 'for sure'
despite war
By The Associated Press
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in
the World Cup "for sure" despite its war with the United States.
Speaking at CNBC's Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that
Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in
doubt since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on the country.
"The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," Infantino said. "We hope that by
then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that
would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their
people. They have qualified. The players want to play."
Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago
and said Wednesday he was impressed.
"I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well," Infantino
said. "And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be
outside of politics now."
Infantino acknowledged it's not always possible to achieve the separation of
sports and politics.
"OK we don't live on the moon, we live on planet Earth," Infantino said. "But
you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in
keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job."
The United States will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and
one in Seattle.
The war has raised doubts about Iran's participation in the World Cup. There
have been conflicting public comments from Iranian government and soccer
officials. U.S. President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from
attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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