Iran has yet to comment on the FIFA president's statement, made at halftime of Iran's friendly match against Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, when Infantino appeared unannounced.
"Iran will be in the World Cup. That's why we are here. We are happy because they have a very, very strong team. I am very happy," Infantino said.
Since the outbreak of war in the Middle East, there has been uncertainty about Iran's participation in this summer's World Cup finals in North America. The Iranian Football Federation has previously said that negotiations are underway to move the national team's scheduled group matches from the United States to Mexico. Iran has been drawn in Group G with matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle in June.
"The matches will be played where they are scheduled to be played according to the draw," Infantino said.
Iran won the international match against Costa Rica 5–0.
