FIFA president Gianni Infantino affirmed the commitment to proceed with the World Cup as planned, despite uncertainties surrounding Iran's participation due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Infantino emphasized during an online FIFA Council meeting that all teams are expected to compete in the tournament, highlighting the importance of fair play and mutual respect among participating nations. With the tournament schedule set, FIFA aims to finalize the list of 48 competing teams soon.

Iran’s involvement in the World Cup faces challenges as its football federation president, Mehdi Taj, has expressed concerns about the safety and logistics of their matches given the geopolitical issues affecting the country. Iran is scheduled to play group stage matches in the United States against teams such as New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle. Amid ongoing US-Israeli tensions, there is apprehension regarding whether these matches can proceed smoothly.

The situation presents significant implications for the World Cup, not just in terms of Iran's participation but also for the event's overall atmosphere and international relations. FIFA's stance indicates a desire to proceed despite these challenges, but the organization may need to navigate complex political landscapes to ensure a successful tournament. The outcome could influence diplomatic discussions and perceptions of sports during international conflicts.