NSC CHAIRMAN HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF PARA ATHLETES IN NIGERIAN SPORTS AS FIRST LADY DECLARES 3RD NATIONAL PARA GAMES CLOSED
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States and play their matches as scheduled. During a surprise appearance at a friendly match between Costa Rica and Iran in Turkey, Infantino said he had met with the Iranian players and coach and that preparations for the tournament are proceeding smoothly.
Infantino emphasized that Iran’s games will take place according to the official draw, with the team set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team’s participation had been uncertain since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February. Iranian Football Federation Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi said the federation is committed to following FIFA’s rules and that host countries must honor their obligations to the tournament.
Earlier in March, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s national team would be allowed to compete but suggested that it might not be safe for the players, sparking requests from Iran to move the games to Mexico. Infantino dismissed those requests, reiterating that the matches will remain in the U.S. as planned. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
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