FIFA President Affirms Iran Will Play at 2026 World Cup Despite Diplomatic Tensions
Theo Al Jazeera English
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has affirmed that Iran will compete in the U.S. during the 2026 World Cup despite diplomatic tensions. The assurance came after Iran's delegation was denied entry to Canada, with some members linked to the IRGC.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has affirmed that Iran will participate in matches on U.S. soil during the 2026 World Cup, amid escalating political tensions following the U.S.-Israel military campaign against the country. The statement came at the FIFA Congress held in Toronto, Canada, where the Iranian delegation was absent after some members were denied entry.
Iran's team had already secured a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, its participation was cast into doubt after the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Tehran had requested that its matches be held on neutral ground rather than in the U.S., but FIFA rejected the request, insisting the schedule would remain unchanged.
Addressing the congress, Infantino said: “Let me make this clear from the outset. Of course, Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason is simple: we must be united. That is my responsibility, our responsibility.”
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington does not object to Iranian players attending the World Cup but emphasized they must not bring individuals affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Iranian Football Federation delegation, including its president Mehdi Taj, was turned back at Toronto airport despite holding valid visas, with Tehran describing the conduct of Canadian immigration officials as “unacceptable.” A source close to the matter said two delegation members could have attended the FIFA Congress but chose not to after one was denied entry into Canada.
Mehdi Taj was once a member of the IRGC. Canadian officials said entry decisions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and that individuals with ties to the IRGC—designated a terrorist organization by Ottawa—are barred from entering the country. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated: “Members who are banned cannot enter. We have a range of screening processes and acted accordingly. No such members were allowed into the country.”
Outside the conference center, about 30 protesters waved Iranian flags and held banners, chanting in support of the Iranian opposition and calling for regime change. They shouted: “IRGC is terrorism,” “No compromise with terrorism,” “Hey FIFA, hey FIFA, no compromise with terrorism.”
