World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms final decision on Iran’s participation

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has reiterated his conviction that Iran will participate in the World Cup this summer, despite the federation’s absence from the congress in Vancouver.

A three-member delegation from the Iranian Football Federation arrived in Toronto on Tuesday; however, one member was denied entry into Canada, while the other two chose not to attend the congress in what appeared to be a protest.

Earlier this week, Iranian media reported that IFF president Mehdi Taj was refused entry at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, despite having received authorization to travel. Fifa sources characterized the situation as a “regrettable circumstance,” but emphasized that Iran had been invited to the congress and that the decision regarding entry was in the hands of Canadian authorities.

During the roll-call of the 210 Fifa members present, general secretary Mattias Grafström did not address Iran’s absence.

Iran’s involvement has been uncertain since the US and Israel initiated airstrikes on the Islamic Republic in February; however, Infantino affirmed that they will complete fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

“Let me begin by confirming right away, for those who may wish to assert otherwise or write differently, that Iran will indeed be participating in the Fifa World Cup 2026,” Infantino stated. “And certainly, Iran will compete in the United States of America. The rationale is straightforward: we must unite. We need to bring people together.

“There are sufficient issues globally. There are enough individuals attempting to create divisions worldwide. If no one endeavors to unite, what will become of our world? We must take action, and this opportunity is before us.”

Iran is set to commence their World Cup journey against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Should both they and the United States secure second place in their respective groups, the teams will face each other in the last 32, having previously met during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Additionally, Iran will compete in Seattle.

Despite Infantino’s optimism, there are lingering concerns regarding potential immigration issues for Iran this summer. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that while Iran’s players will be welcomed, some individuals from their federation may encounter challenges.

“The issue with Iran pertains to certain individuals they wish to bring along, some of whom have connections to the IRGC [Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps],” Rubio remarked.

Taj, a former commander in the IRGC, has been designated as a terrorist entity by Canada since 2024. The Canadian government had granted Taj a temporary resident permit (TRP) to enter Canada for congress, but it seems this permit has been revoked. “My understanding is that the permission has been rescinded,” stated Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand.

In another part of his address, Infantino defended Fifa’s contentious ticket sales strategy amidst widespread dissatisfaction regarding pricing, noting that they have received 500 million ticket requests, with 90% already sold out, while some tickets are reserved for future sales.

“We have received 500 million requests for tickets,” Infantino stated. “In the last two World Cups, we had a total of 50 million requests. We have sold 100% of the tickets we’ve made available, which constitutes 90% of the global inventory. While there are high-priced tickets, there are also more affordable options. All the revenue generated is reinvested back into the sport.”

Infantino further revealed that Fifa’s anticipated revenues for the 2023-26 cycle, culminating with this summer’s World Cup, have risen to $14 billion (£10.3 billion), marking a 20% increase from the previous cycle.

World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms final decision on Iran’s participation