FIFA head announces no changes to Iran's World Cup schedule as protestors demand team ban
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup as scheduled, playing its matches in the United States despite protests calling for the team's exclusion. Demonstrators gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, arguing that Iran's team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people. Infantino emphasized unity and FIFA's role in bringing people together, rejecting calls to ban or relocate Iran's team.
- ▪FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will play its scheduled 2026 World Cup matches in the United States.
- ▪Protesters outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver demanded Iran's team be banned for representing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- ▪Iran's delegation was partially denied entry to Canada, with some members absent from the congress proceedings.
- ▪Infantino ruled out replacing Iran or moving its group-stage games to Canada or Mexico.
- ▪The protest was organized by Mission for My Homeland, with demonstrators supporting opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.
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