FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 [1] World Cup and play its matches in the U.S. [3].
The decision ensures the tournament remains inclusive despite severe diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington. It also follows a dispute involving Canadian immigration authorities that prevented Iranian officials from attending a key FIFA meeting.
Infantino made the announcement during the FIFA Congress in Toronto, Canada, on June 13, 2024 [2]. He said that "Iran will be at the World Cup and will play" [4]. The president said that Iran will participate and its games will be held in the U.S. as the organization moves forward with the 2026 [1] tournament plans [3].
The confirmation comes amid a diplomatic rift. The Iranian delegation was unable to attend the Congress in Toronto after facing issues at the airport. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, said the delegation was forced to turn back at the Toronto airport after what Tehran described as "unacceptable behaviour" by Canadian immigration authorities [5].
Despite the absence of the Iranian delegation in Canada, FIFA leadership maintained that the national team's place in the tournament is secure. The move highlights FIFA's effort to separate sporting competitions from geopolitical conflicts, a recurring challenge for the organization.
Iran's matches in the U.S. will be part of the expanded format for the 2026 [1] event. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
“"Iran will be at the World Cup and will play."”
The decision to host Iranian matches in the U.S. demonstrates FIFA's commitment to neutrality and the 'universality' of the World Cup, even when participating nations have no formal diplomatic relations with the host country. By confirming Iran's status despite the friction with Canadian authorities, FIFA is attempting to prevent political disputes from disrupting the tournament's logistical framework.
