Fifa president says World Cup is “opportunity” to united people from warring nations
Gianni Infantino told the Fifa Congress in Vancouver that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite all the uncertainty surrounding them due to conflicts with North American hosts Canada and the US.
Representatives from the Iranian football federation failed to attend the congress in Vancouver on Thursday after a three-man delegation that travelled to Toronto, including federation president Mehdi Taj, were denied entry to Canada.
Reports from Iran said that Taj was refused entry at Toronto’s Pearson Airport despite previously being granted permission. Fifa described the situation as “regrettable” and stressed that entry decisions rest with Canadian authorities.
Infantino moved quickly in the congress later to dismiss any doubts over the Middle Eastern nation’s involvement in this summer’s tournament.
“Let me start at the outset by confirming straight away, for those who maybe want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the Fifa World Cup 2026,” Infantino said.
“And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.
“There are enough problems around the world. There are enough people who try to divide all over the world. If nobody tries to unite, what will happen to our world? We have to do it, and we have this opportunity.”
Iran are scheduled to open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, before facing Belgium and Egypt in Group G.
However, US Secretary of state Marco Rubio said Iranian players would be allowed entry but suggested some federation officials could face restrictions due to alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“The problem with Iran would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC,” Rubio said.
Taj himself was a former IRGC commander and his previous position is reported to have been connected with his denial of entry to Canada.
