FIFA President Gianni Infantino has definitively stated that the Iranian national football team will compete in the World Cup matches scheduled for their assigned venues in the United States. This confirmation comes despite ongoing safety concerns raised following recent events involving the US and Israel.

Infantino Affirms Schedule Adherence

Speaking to AFP during halftime of Iran's friendly match against Costa Rica in Türkiye on Tuesday, Infantino stressed that the fixtures will proceed as determined by the official draw. "The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw," Infantino confirmed.

The FIFA President expressed his satisfaction with Iran's participation. "Iran will be at the World Cup... That's why we're here. We're delighted because they're a very, very strong team, I'm very happy," he added.

Relocation Requests Denied

Earlier in the month, the Iranian football federation had initiated discussions with FIFA regarding a potential move of their World Cup fixtures. The federation sought to relocate the games from the US to Mexico, citing the ongoing conflict between the US and Israel against Iran.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had previously indicated that Mexico was prepared to host Iran's initial group stage matches should a relocation become necessary. The World Cup tournament, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is set to commence on June 11.

Iran's World Cup Fixtures and Previous Statements

Iran is scheduled to begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Subsequent matches include a game against Belgium, also in Los Angeles, followed by a fixture against Egypt in Seattle.

Initial assurances regarding the team's welcome in the US had reportedly been given by US President Donald Trump, stating the Iranian team would be safe. However, Trump later publicly advised that Iran's football team should refrain from traveling to the tournament "for their own life and safety."

Iran's Response to Exclusion Talk

In response to President Trump's comments, Iran issued a firm rebuttal. The Iranian side asserted that "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup."

Tributes Paid During Friendly Match

Infantino's attendance at the friendly match near Antalya on Tuesday was unannounced, with media kept away from his seating area. Iran had also played a friendly against Nigeria in Belek, Türkiye, the previous Friday.

During that match, the Iranian players wore black armbands and posed with school rucksacks while the national anthem played. This gesture served as a memorial for the victims of a recent strike on a primary school in Iran.

The air strike, which occurred on February 28 in the southern Iranian city of Minab, resulted in the deaths of at least 170 individuals, including both students and teachers. Reports from The New York Times suggest preliminary findings from a US military investigation point toward a US Tomahawk cruise missile hitting the school due to a targeting error.