Iran will play World Cup games in US – Infantino

Iran will take part in the World Cup and their games will be played in the United States as scheduled, says FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.

There has been ongoing uncertainty over their participation in the tournament because of the US-Israel war with Iran.

And the Iranian football federation said earlier this month it was “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate the country’s World Cup matches from the US to Mexico.

“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino told AFP. “We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.

“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”

Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21 respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The tournament, which begins on June 11, is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was prepared to host Iran’s matches if needed but Infantino, who attended Iran’s 5-0 friendly win against Costa Rica in Turkey yesterday, insisted they would participate in the tournament as planned.

“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” he insisted.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said in a post on social media that Iran would be “welcome to the World Cup” before signalling he felt they should not be involved “for their own life and safety”.

In response, Iran said it was the US which should forefeit their place in the tournament.

Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali has also said his country is not in a position to participate in the tournament.-BBC