FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran's national team will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States this summer, despite recent immigration setbacks. The Guardian reports.
On Tuesday, a three-member delegation from the Football Federation of Iran arrived in Toronto, but one member was denied entry into Canada. The other two members boycotted the FIFA Congress in protest.
Earlier, Iranian media reported that federation president Mehdi Taj was turned back at Toronto Pearson Airport despite having a travel permit. FIFA sources described the situation as "regrettable" but noted that Iran was invited and that entry decisions rest solely with the Canadian government.
At the congress attended by 210 FIFA members, Secretary General Mattias Grafström read the attendance list without mentioning Iran's absence. Iran's participation had been questioned since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February.
Infantino stated: "For those who think otherwise or want to write something else, I start by confirming immediately: of course, Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States. The reason is simple — we must unite."
He added: "There are enough problems in the world. There are enough people trying to separate people around the world. If no one tries to unite, what will happen to our world? We must do it, and we have the opportunity."
According to the schedule, Iran will open their campaign on June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand, face Belgium on June 21, and conclude the group stage against Egypt in Seattle. If Iran and the US both finish second in their groups, they could meet in the round of 32 in Dallas.
Despite Infantino's confidence, concerns persist that the Iranian team may face immigration hurdles. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said players would be welcomed but hinted that some federation members might encounter difficulties.
"The problem with Iran may be with some individuals they want to bring, because some of them are affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)," Rubio said.
Mehdi Taj is a former IRGC commander, and Canada designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity in 2024. The Canadian government had previously issued Taj a temporary residence permit for the congress, but it may have been revoked.
In other remarks, Infantino defended FIFA's controversial ticketing process. He revealed that 500 million ticket requests were received, 90% of tickets have been sold, and the remainder are held for future sales.
Source: www.gazeta.uz