FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran will “for sure” play at the World Cup, despite ongoing conflict and security concerns.

Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said Iran’s qualification should stand, even as war and security concerns have raised doubts about the team’s participation.

“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” he said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation.”

Infantino said Iran’s players “want to play” and should be allowed to compete, adding that sport should remain separate from politics, while acknowledging that such separation is not always possible.
“We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” he said. “But if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges … we are doing that job.”

Infantino said he met the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago and praised their performance and determination.

The United States will co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle.

The conflict has cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation, with mixed signals from Iranian officials. U.S. President Donald Trump has discouraged the team from attending, citing security concerns.