SOCCER: We won't leave anyone behind Infantino tells Asian soccer chiefs ahead of World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirms support for all qualified Asian teams, including Iran, emphasizing unity and peace ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Iain Axon/Reuters

April 29, 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the congress, Soccer Football - 36th AFC Annual Congress - Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, Canada - April 28, 2026.

Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed his backing for the Asian Football Confederation and the nine teams it has qualified for the World Cup - including Iran - on Tuesday (April 28).

Addressing the AFC Congress in Vancouver, Infantino said: "We don't want to let anyone behind, and the World Cup, which will be starting in a little bit more than 40 days has to be this vector of unity and hopefully as well of peace. And we should all bring this message to the entire world now even more."

Last week, Donald Trump's special envoy to Italy, Paolo Zampolli, said he had suggested to the American President and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.

However, at the moment the West Asian side are due to take part in the tournament, which will be played in America, Canada and Mexico in June and July.

Despite America extensively bombing Iran and continued tensions in the Middle East, the only way Iran wouldn't be at the tournament is if they chose to withdraw themselves.

-Iain Axon/Reuters