Vancouver, British Columbia – FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed on Thursday that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, despite the nation’s absence from the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. The confirmation comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a recent incident involving the Iranian Football Federation president being denied entry into Canada.
Addressing the FIFA Congress, Infantino directly addressed concerns surrounding Iran’s participation, stating, “Let me start at the outset confirming, straight away, for those who desire 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.” This statement aims to quell speculation that has arisen following armed conflict between Iran and the U.S. And Israel since late February.
The situation took a further turn when Iran requested that its World Cup matches be relocated from the United States to Mexico. However, this request was denied earlier this month by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, as confirmed by Infantino. “The reason for that is very simple,” Infantino explained. “Dear friends, it’s because we have to unite, we have to bring people together. This proves my responsibility, it is our responsibility – football unites the world, FIFA unites the world, you unite the world, we unite the world.”
Adding to the complexity, Iranian media reported that Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, was denied entry to Canada at Toronto’s Pearson airport despite having received permission to travel. FIFA sources described the situation as “regrettable,” emphasizing that Iran was invited to the Congress and that entry decisions fall under the jurisdiction of Canadian authorities. During the roll call of FIFA’s 211 member associations, Iran was notably the only nation absent.
Iran is currently scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. These matches will be crucial as teams prepare for the expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup, a significant change from the traditional 32-team tournament. The expansion is designed to provide more opportunities for nations from across the globe to compete on the world stage.
The confirmation of Iran’s participation underscores FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and its belief in the unifying power of football, even amidst political challenges. This decision reflects a broader strategy by FIFA to maintain the integrity of the tournament and ensure representation from all qualified nations. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is poised to be the largest and most inclusive edition in the tournament’s history.
Infantino’s remarks also touched upon his intention to potentially extend his tenure as FIFA President. Even as details regarding the specifics of any potential extension were not immediately available, the announcement signals a desire for continued leadership during a period of significant change and expansion for the organization. The FIFA Congress serves as a crucial platform for discussing these matters and charting the future direction of global football governance.
The situation highlights the delicate balance FIFA must maintain between political considerations and its core mission of promoting football worldwide. The decision to allow Iran to participate, despite ongoing tensions, demonstrates a commitment to keeping the sport separate from political disputes, a principle that has been central to FIFA’s messaging in recent years. However, the absence of the Iranian Football Federation president from the Congress underscores the practical challenges of navigating these complex geopolitical realities.
As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, all eyes will be on the preparations in the host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – and on the qualification process unfolding across the globe. The tournament promises to be a landmark event, not only for its expanded format but also for the diverse range of nations and cultures it will bring together. Fans can begin to anticipate the competition and explore opportunities to purchase tickets as more details grow available through official FIFA channels.
The next key checkpoint for Iran will be its participation in the qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup, where they will aim to secure their place among the 48 teams competing in North America. The team’s performance in these matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they assess Iran’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
