FIFA President Confirms Iran’s Participation in World Cup and their Stay in US
Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, the ninth president of the International Association Football Federation (FIFA), has confirmed that Iran will play their World Cup games in the United States as planned.
The president on Thursday started off the world football body’s summit in Vancouver and made the proclamation during the session.
The statement arises during a period of tension between the world governing body, the Iranian Football Federation, and the Canadian government, following the refusal of entry for Mehdi Taj and his entourage upon their arrival at Toronto’s Pearson Airport on Tuesday night.
Iran’s involvement in this year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States remains uncertain due to the outbreak of war in the Middle East in February, following military strikes by the United States and Israel.
Infantino said, “Let me start at the outset. Of course, Iran will be participating in 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.”
The president announced this while Iran was the sole absentee from the 211-member congress, as Thursday’s meeting commenced following a clash with Canadian border officials earlier this week.
Iran, scheduled to be based in Tucson, Arizona, during the World Cup, will compete against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G. Team Melli will commence their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
