FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, despite the Iranian Football Federation's absence from the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. The assurance came amid ongoing tensions following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February and visa complications for Iranian officials.
Iran's participation had been uncertain, but 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.' He emphasized the unifying power of football, saying, 'We have to unite. We have to bring people together.'
Iran is set to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by Belgium on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle. If both Iran and the USA finish second in their groups, they could meet in the round of 32 in Dallas.
However, concerns remain over immigration issues. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that while players are welcome, some federation members with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may face difficulties. Mehdi Taj, the Iranian federation president and former IRGC commander, was denied entry to Canada for the congress despite a temporary resident permit, which Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand said was revoked.
Infantino also addressed FIFA's ticket sales, reporting 500 million requests and 90% of inventory sold. He announced projected revenues of $14 billion for the 2023-26 cycle and confirmed his candidacy for re-election as FIFA president next year.
