"Iran will definitely qualify for the World Cup," FIFA President Infantino expresses confidence... "Football is separate from politics."

*This content was translated by AI.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, 56, firmly asserted that Iran will definitely participate in the 2026 North American World Cup.

Sports network ESPN reported on the 16th (Korean time) that "In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) stated that the Iran national team will definitely participate in the World Cup to be held in the United States this summer."

Since the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran in February, Iran's participation in the World Cup remained uncertain. Iran was drawn into Group G of the North American World Cup alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The issue lies in the fact that all three of Iran's matches will be held in the United States. On the 16th and 21, Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium, respectively, in Los Angeles, and will play Egypt in Seattle on the 27th.

In response, Iranian government officials repeatedly requested FIFA to change the match venue to Mexico, citing the impossibility of the Iranian national team entering the United States and holding the match earlier last month. However, FIFA indicated that changing the venue is practically difficult.

Amid these developments, In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) said at CNBC's "Invest in America Forum" held in Washington, D.C., on the 15th, "I hope peace arrives before the tournament, as that would be the best scenario," while also stating, "Iran is a team representing its nation. It has legitimately earned its spot in the finals, and its players are eager to compete, so they should naturally participate in the tournament."

This conviction regarding In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) is also evident in his recent actions. At the end of last month, he personally visited the training camp of the Iran national team, which was set up in Antalya, Turkey. At the event, In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) raised his voice, stating, "Sports must be completely separated from politics," and adding, "Even if the entire world calls for a severance of relations, someone must play the role of a bridge. That is precisely what we must do."

The Iranian national team must join the base camp in Tucson, Arizona, no later than the 10th. Even if Iran advances from the group stage, it is highly likely that the knockout rounds will also be held in the United States.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an inconsistent stance on the Iranian national team's entry into the country, stating, "I don't care what anyone says," while also warning that "if they come to the United States, they will be treated like stars, but at the same time, the players' safety could be threatened."

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*This content was translated by AI.