Infantino confirmed that Iran will not only be participating in the world cup, but will also play in the United States. He noted that football should bring people together instead of becoming a pulpit for political confrontation.
Iran was the only one of FIFA’s 211 member associations not represented at the congress, CNN reported. Its delegates chose not to attend following reports that one member of their group was denied entry into Canada.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating that he does not object to Iran’s participation if that was the position expressed by FIFA’s president.
According to the CNN report, the Iranian national team is scheduled to play two group stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle. The team’s first match against New Zealand is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles.
Although Iran is not in the same group as the U.S. team, the two teams could face each other in the playoffs. The earliest possible matchup could take place on July 3, a day before U.S. Independence Day, in Arlington, Texas.
Trump's special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, earlier offered FIFA that Iran be replaced by Italy, which failed to qualify for the tournament. Italy called this initiative unacceptable and noted that FIFA rules must be followed.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that Washington did not ban Iran from participating in the World Cup. At the same time, he suggested that the U.S. might deny entry to certain members of the Iranian delegation if they have ties to the IRGC.