FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on Thursday that Iran will take part in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This announcement was made during his address at the FIFA World Congress held in Vancouver, Canada.

Infantino's Commitment to Unity

Infantino emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "Let me start at the outset confirming, straightaway for those who maybe want to say something else or want to write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026." He further noted that Iran would compete in matches hosted in the United States, highlighting the need to "bring people together" as part of his responsibility.

Concerns Surrounding Participation

Iran's involvement in the tournament had been questioned amidst the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel. Recently, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and other officials were denied entry at Toronto airport while en route to the FIFA Congress, despite holding valid visas. The federation described this incident as the “unacceptable behaviour” of Canadian immigration officials. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney clarified that members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, designated as a terrorist organization, are prohibited from entering Canada, leading to the officials' return to Turkey.

In a separate statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that while Iran's national team would be allowed to participate, individuals with ties to the IRGC would be barred from entering the U.S. He remarked, “Nothing from the U.S. has told them they can’t come. If they decide not to come on their own, it’s because they decided not to come.”

Reactions from Political Figures

Former President Donald Trump expressed his support for Iran's participation, stating, "Well if Gianni said it I'm okay." He acknowledged Infantino as a friend and previously mentioned that he was indifferent about Iran's presence in the World Cup. In March, Trump had remarked that while he welcomed the Iranian national team, he questioned the appropriateness of their participation for their own safety.

As the tournament approaches, the situation surrounding Iran's participation remains complex, with various political and logistical factors at play. However, FIFA's commitment to inclusivity appears steadfast as the World Cup draws nearer.