Speaking at the FIFA Congress, Infantino said Iran would “of course” take part in the tournament and play in the US as scheduled. He said that the tournament will go ahead as planned despite political tensions between the two countries.
“Let me start at the outset. Of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America. And the reason for that is very simple, we have to unite. It is my responsibility, our responsibility,” said Infantino.
This comes after officials from Iran’s football body, including president Mehdi Taj, were barred from attending a FIFA Congress in Canada. Even though they had valid visas, they were stopped at Toronto airport and not allowed to enter the country, which Iran called an “unacceptable behaviour.”
Canada considers Iran’s military group ‘Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)’ a terrorist organisation. The officials clarified that the entry is decided case by case and anyone linked to the IRGC can be denied entry, even with a valid visa.
“The members are prohibited from coming. We have a series of screenings, and we take action. And no members have entered the country. Action has been taken appropriately,” said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Last week, a top envoy to United States president Donald Trump reportedly urged him and Infantino to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, last week.
“I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” said Paolo Zampolli.
In March, Trump said that while Iran was “welcome” to take part, it might not be “appropriate” for the team to come to the US “for their own life and safety.”
Now, Trump said that he was “okay” with Iran participating in the World Cup. “Well if Gianni said it I’m okay. Did Gianni say it?… You know what? Let them play. Well, Gianni’s fantastic, he’s a friend of mine. He talked about it.”
Speaking to reporters, he further said, ” You do whatever you want. You can have them. You don’t have to have them. They probably have a good team. Do they have a good team?”
FIFA World Cup 2026 will kick off on June 11 and run until July 19. During this time, matches will be held across multiple host cities in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s matches are scheduled to be played in Los Angeles and Seattle. Their campaign is set to begin with a match against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium.
