Delegates from over 150 countries gathered in Vancouver this week for the FIFA Congress, with many emphasizing the unifying power of international soccer tournaments like the World Cup amid rising global political, financial, and military tensions.
Ryan Nelsen, a former New Zealand player who competed in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, noted the challenging global climate. "It's a very uncomfortable time for a lot of countries and a lot of communities," he said. "The one unifying thing that gets everybody together is football, and no bigger than the football World Cup. So hopefully it does the job."
Tim Brown, Nelsen's teammate on the 2010 New Zealand squad, echoed this sentiment. "I really do think sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and I think we need that more than ever," he remarked.
Infantino's Unity Message Tested
FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a speech focused on unity during Thursday's Congress meeting at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre. However, the message faced strain when a delegate from Palestine refused to shake hands with an Israeli representative, citing Israel's attacks on Palestine as amounting to genocide.
Additionally, the Iran Football Federation president was denied entry to Canada due to his ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Canada designates as a terrorist organization. This reduced the Congress attendance to 210 members, one short of the full 211-member legislative body.
Iran's World Cup Participation
The ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, currently under an unsteady ceasefire, has raised questions about Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup. Infantino confirmed that Iran would be allowed to play, stating, "Football unites the world." U.S. President Donald Trump also assured that the Iranian team would be permitted entry to the U.S. for its first match in California on June 15. Iran has no matches scheduled in Vancouver during the initial group stage.
Vancouver is one of several North American cities hosting World Cup matches in June and July, with seven games at B.C. Place, including two featuring New Zealand. Brown expressed optimism that the tournament would bring "some good news" during a fractured time, adding, "I think everyone's really excited for the World Cup. It captures hearts and minds."
FIFA Legends in Attendance
Nelsen and Brown were in Vancouver as FIFA legends, a designation for former footballers who have made significant contributions to the game. Nelsen later coached Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, while Brown co-founded the sneaker company Allbirds.
Waleed Darwish of the Egyptian Football Association, another Congress delegate, spent Wednesday exploring Vancouver on a hop-on, hop-off bus. He plans to return for Egypt's June 21 Cup match against New Zealand, though he is uncertain how many fans will travel from Egypt for the game.
