Iran Will Participate in the World Cup, FIFA Chief Says
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing unity and inclusion despite geopolitical tensions. Iranian officials were recently denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress, sparking diplomatic concerns, though Canada cited security screenings and IRGC-related restrictions. U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed mixed but ultimately permissive stances on Iran's participation, with conditions on security and banned individuals.
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FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino announced on Thursday that Iran will participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup."Let me start at the outset confirming, straightaway for those who maybe want to say something else or want to write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino announced while speaking at the FIFA World Congress in Vancouver, Canada. "And of course Iran will play in the United States of America.""The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility," Infantino said.
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