Fifa president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, despite the Iranian football federation failing to attend the Fifa congress in Vancouver. Infantino told the congress on Thursday that Iran would play its group-stage matches as scheduled, citing the need to unite people through football.
Iran's participation had been in doubt after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the Islamic Republic in February. Further uncertainty arose when a three-man Iranian delegation flew to Toronto for the congress but one member, federation president Mehdi Taj, was denied entry to Canada. The other two delegates then declined to attend in protest. Taj, a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), had been issued a temporary resident permit by Canada, but it was reportedly revoked. Canada has listed the IRGC as a terrorist entity since 2024.
Fifa sources described the situation as “regrettable” but noted that entry decisions rest with Canadian authorities. Despite these issues, Infantino stated: “Of course Iran will be participating at the Fifa World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America.” Iran begins its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iran's players are welcome but warned that some federation officials with IRGC ties may face difficulties entering the US. Infantino also used his address to defend Fifa's ticket sales, reporting 500 million requests and 90% of inventory sold. He announced projected revenues of $14 billion (£10.3 billion) for the 2023-26 cycle and confirmed he will stand for re-election as Fifa president next year.
