Fifa president Gianni Infantino has insisted 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. A three-man delegation flew to Toronto but one member, IFF president Mehdi Taj, was denied entry to Canada, prompting the others to boycott the congress in protest.
Infantino addressed the issue directly at the congress, stating: “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. And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America.” He emphasised the unifying power of football amid global divisions.
Iran are drawn in Group G and will face New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles, Belgium on 21 June, and Egypt in Seattle. If both Iran and the USA finish second in their groups, they could meet in the last 32 in Dallas. Concerns remain over potential US immigration issues for Iranian officials, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating that some individuals with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may face difficulties.
Mehdi Taj, a former IRGC commander, had been issued a temporary resident permit by Canada but it was reportedly revoked. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the revocation. Fifa sources described the situation as “regrettable” but noted that entry decisions rest with Canadian authorities.
In his address, Infantino also defended Fifa’s ticket sales, saying 500 million requests had been received and 90% of inventory sold. He announced projected revenues of $14 billion (£10.3 billion) for the 2023-26 cycle, a 20% increase. Infantino confirmed he will stand for re-election for a third full term at next year’s congress in Rabat, Morocco.
