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. A three-man delegation flew to Toronto but one member was denied entry to Canada, with the other two declining to attend in protest.
Infantino addressed the issue directly at the congress, stating: "Of course Iran will be participating at the Fifa World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite." Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G.
Concerns remain over potential immigration issues for Iranian officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said players would be welcome but indicated that some federation members with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may face difficulties. IFF president Mehdi Taj, a former IRGC commander, had his Canadian temporary resident permit revoked.
Infantino also defended Fifa's ticket sales process, noting 500 million requests and 90% of inventory sold. He announced projected revenues of $14 billion for the 2023-26 cycle, a 20% increase, and confirmed he will stand for re-election next year in Rabat, Morocco.
