FIFA President Gianni Infantino has affirmed that Iran will participate in World Cup matches held in the United States. This confirmation comes despite the football governing body’s Congress commencing without the Iranian delegation, an absence that underscored the prevailing tensions and challenges associated with the upcoming tournament.
The absence of Iran meant Thursday’s congress lacked direct representation from a nation whose involvement in the 2026 World Cup is already a significant topic in behind-the-scenes discussions. This issue is particularly sensitive due to the cross-border nature of the tournament.
The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will necessitate frequent movement of teams, officials, and support staff across various jurisdictions. This raises concerns that visa restrictions or diplomatic disagreements could complicate logistical planning for certain participating nations.
Iran has successfully qualified for the tournament. However, their participation has been contentious since the onset of the US-Israel conflict targeting the country, leading Tehran to request alternative venues for matches originally scheduled on US soil.
FIFA has rejected this request, asserting that the established schedule will remain unchanged. Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington had no objections to Iranian players participating in the World Cup. However, he clarified that players would not be permitted to bring individuals with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
During the congress, Infantino declared, “Let me state unequivocally from the outset: Iran will, of course, be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And naturally, Iran will play in the United States of America.”
He further explained, “The reason for this is quite simple: we must unite. It is my responsibility, our collective responsibility.”
Officials from the Iranian football federation, including President Mehdi Taj, were expected to attend the gathering. However, they were reportedly turned back at Toronto airport due to what Tehran characterized as “unacceptable behavior” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite possessing valid visas.
A source with direct knowledge of the situation informed Reuters that two members of the delegation could have attended the FIFA congress but opted not to after one of their colleagues was denied entry into Canada.
It is noted that Taj is a former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Canadian officials clarified that entry decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, and individuals with connections to the IRGC, which Ottawa has designated as a “terrorist organization,” are considered inadmissible.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated, “I can provide the following assurances and facts. Firstly, as you are aware, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and all its members have been listed as a terrorist organization for several years.”
He added, “These members are prohibited from entering. We conduct a series of screenings and take appropriate action. No such members have entered the country, and action has been taken accordingly.”
Outside the convention center, approximately 30 protesters, adorned with Iranian flags and carrying signs, gathered to express their desire for regime change in Iran.
The protesters chanted slogans in support of Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, including “IRGC are terrorists,” “No deal with terrorists,” and “Hey FIFA, oi FIFA, no deal with terrorists.”
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