FIFA boss Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play at 2026 FIFA World Cup 

The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed that Iran will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Speaking during FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver, Infantino reiterated that Iran will be present at the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 

“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,” Infantino said.

Iran had been notably absent from the congress, becoming the only one of FIFA’s 211 member associations not represented. Officials from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including president Mehdi Taj, were expected to attend but reportedly faced issues at the border. 

Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the delegation was turned back by Canadian immigration authorities, while Canada’s foreign affairs minister Anita Anand indicated that entry permission had been revoked. 

Iran’s participation had been under scrutiny amid geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel. However, FIFA’s latest stance makes it clear that the team will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.