FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed that Iran will compete in their World Cup matches in the United States as planned during the launch of the global football organization’s summit in Vancouver.
Speculation had surrounded Iran’s participation in this year’s tournament held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East since February following military actions by the United States and Israel.
Infantino, emphasizing his previous statements about Iran’s presence at the World Cup, made it clear at the outset of his speech to delegates in Vancouver.
“I want to confirm right from the start that Iran will definitely be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino stated. “And indeed, Iran will compete in the United States of America.”
Although Iranian authorities had considered relocating their group matches from the U.S. to Mexico, Infantino had already dismissed this suggestion.
Adding to the uncertainty, reports emerged last week that Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy of Italian origin, had suggested Italy taking Iran’s spot in the World Cup.
However, the U.S. government distanced itself from this proposal, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing support for Iran’s football team.
The tension surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup intensified in the lead-up to the FIFA Congress held on Thursday.
Iran was notably absent from the 211-member congress as it commenced, following a prior incident with Canadian border officials earlier in the week.
Officials from the Iranian football federation (FFIRI) abruptly departed Canada after arriving in Toronto, canceling their onward journey to Vancouver.
According to Iranian media reports, FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, a former member of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and two associates returned home after allegedly facing mistreatment by Canadian immigration officers.
Canada, having labeled the IRGC a terrorist group in 2024, stated that individuals associated with this force were considered “inadmissible.”
“While we cannot discuss specific cases due to privacy regulations, the government’s stance is clear: IRGC members are not allowed entry into Canada and are unwelcome in our nation,” declared Canada’s immigration agency.
Iran, set to be stationed in Tucson, Arizona during the World Cup, is scheduled to compete against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.
Their World Cup journey begins with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
