Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite the country being the only one absent from FIFA’s annual congress held Thursday in Canada.
Infantino said Iran “will be participating” in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, stressing football’s role in uniting people amid geopolitical tensions. Concerns had been raised over Iran’s involvement due to its ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel.
Iranian officials, including football federation president Mehdi Taj, were expected at the congress in Vancouver but reportedly turned back at the border. Iranian state-linked media cited issues with Canadian immigration authorities.
Canada’s foreign affairs minister Anita Anand said there had been a “revocation” of entry permission, while Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are barred from entering the country, which designates the group as a terrorist organisation.
Canada has had no diplomatic relations with Iran for more than a decade, Anand added.
Despite the diplomatic strain, Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in the U.S., beginning against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by Belgium and Egypt.
U.S. President Donald Trump backed Iran’s participation, saying: “If Gianni said it, I’m OK. Let ’em play,” though he previously raised safety concerns.
Iran had requested to play its matches in Mexico, but FIFA has maintained the original schedule.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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