FIFA President Gianni Infantino wasted no time during his President's Address at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, confirming that Iran will be playing at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to delegates, he stressed the unifying power of football amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
"Let me start at the outset, I should say confirming straight away … Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino declared. He added, "And 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. This is our responsibility. Football unites the world. FIFA unites the world."
Infantino emphasized the importance of positivity and unity in a divided world. "We have to be smiling, we have to be happy. There are enough problems around the world. There are enough people who try to divide all over the world. If nobody tries to unite, what will happen to our world?" he asked. "We have to do it, and we have this opportunity. We have it at the FIFA Congress. We have it with the FIFA series. We have it, of course, with the FIFA World Cup. We have it with the power and the magic of all of you united, because together, we are unbeatable."
Iran was the only member nation not present at the Vancouver Convention Centre for the Congress. Its delegation was turned back by immigration services in Toronto earlier this week. Despite reportedly having valid entry visas, the president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, was denied entry due to his history with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada has classified as a terrorist organization.
The ongoing military conflict between Iran and the U.S. had cast doubt on the team's participation, with speculation that Iran might boycott the tournament because their matches were scheduled in Seattle and Los Angeles. Infantino's confirmation puts those rumors to rest, highlighting FIFA's commitment to using football as a bridge between nations.
