Iran will compete in the 2026 World Cup despite missing FIFA's annual congress due to entry restrictions.
Iran was the only nation absent from FIFA’s annual congress held in Canada on Thursday. Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, confirmed the country will still take part in this summer’s World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Questions arose about Iran’s involvement following geopolitical tensions with the US and Israel. Infantino emphasized that Iran’s participation is certain, stating, 'Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.'
Iranian football officials, including federation president Mehdi Taj, were expected at the FIFA gathering but were reportedly turned away at the Canadian border. The Iranian news agency Tasnim attributed the denial to treatment by Canadian immigration authorities. Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, explained that entry permission was revoked for the delegation. Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, later confirmed that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designates as a terrorist organization, are barred from entering the country.
Anand stated that Canada has not had diplomatic relations with Iran for over a decade, adding that the revocation of entry was unintentional. She noted that Canada’s position on Iran remains clear from a diplomatic perspective. Carney also stressed that the country’s entry rules are designed to be effective, though he could not comment on specific cases due to privacy laws. The Iranian football federation has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding its absence.
The 2026 World Cup begins on 11 June, with Iran set to face New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles. Their second match is scheduled against Belgium on 21 June, also in Los Angeles, followed by a game against Egypt on 26 June in Seattle. Earlier, Iran had requested that their matches be held in Mexico, but FIFA maintained that the fixtures would proceed as planned.