World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino confirms Iran’s participation despite tensions.
Despite diplomatic and administrative complications, Gianni Infantino assured that Iran will indeed participate in the 2026 World Cup. A firm position as uncertainties persist around the entry conditions into North American territory.
Gianni Infantino has made a point of dispelling the doubts: Iran will indeed participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite the tensions surrounding the federation’s presence at the congress held in Vancouver. The FIFA president spoke up to clarify the situation, as an Iranian delegation faced difficulties upon arriving in Canada. One of its members was refused entry into the country, while the others ultimately boycotted the event. The case of Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian federation, notably crystallized the tensions after a denial of access to Toronto airport.
Despite this delicate diplomatic context, Infantino was categorical: « Iran will be present at the World Cup. And it will play in the United States. We must use football to bring people together. » On the field, the Iranian national team must face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in the group stage. But behind the scenes, uncertainties remain, particularly regarding visas and entry permissions, as American Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted. Furthermore, the Swiss leader defended FIFA’s commercial policy, citing a record demand for tickets and rising revenues for the 2023-2026 cycle, proof, in his view, of the competition’s growing appeal.
