new delhi, May 1
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has confirmed that Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The announcement comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and speculation regarding Iran’s possible absence from the tournament.
Infantino made the clarification during his opening address at the 76th FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, where Iran’s absence had drawn attention. Addressing the issue directly, he emphasized that there should be no doubt about Iran’s participation in the global football event. He stated that Iran would not only take part in the tournament but would also play matches in the United States, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and unity through sport.
The FIFA president highlighted football’s unique ability to bring people together, even in times of political and social divisions. Stressing the broader role of the sport, he remarked that fostering unity is a shared responsibility of FIFA and its member associations.
According to him, football has consistently served as a bridge between nations, helping to create connections that transcend political disagreements and conflicts.
Infantino also pointed out that the world is currently facing numerous challenges, with divisions emerging across regions. In such a scenario, he said, it becomes even more important for global institutions like FIFA to promote positivity and togetherness. He encouraged stakeholders in football to focus on the unifying power of the game and to use major platforms such as the World Cup to reinforce the message of global harmony.
Iran’s participation had earlier been uncertain following reports suggesting that the country might consider boycotting matches in the United States due to heightened tensions involving Israel and the United States. These concerns were further amplified when representatives of the Iran Football Federation, including its president Mehdi Taj, did not attend the FIFA Congress. Iran was notably the only one among FIFA’s 211 member associations that was absent from the gathering.
Media reports indicated that members of the Iranian delegation were turned back at border control, while there were also claims that Canadian authorities had revoked their entry permissions. Although the exact details surrounding the incident remain unclear, the development added to the speculation about Iran’s stance regarding the upcoming tournament.
Despite these complications, FIFA’s position appears firm and unambiguous. By confirming Iran’s participation, the organization has reiterated that all qualified teams will be included in the tournament regardless of external political circumstances. This aligns with FIFA’s long-standing principle of keeping football separate from political disputes and ensuring equal opportunities for all member nations.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be historic in several ways, most notably for its expansion to 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in the competition’s history. The joint hosting by three countries also marks a significant milestone, reflecting increased cooperation in organizing global sporting events.
With FIFA’s confirmation, attention now shifts to how participating nations, including Iran, will navigate the broader geopolitical landscape while competing on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world.
