FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent geopolitical tensions involving Israel and the United States.The announcement came during Infantino’s address at the 76th FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, where he emphasized football’s role in promoting unity across a divided world. The 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams.Addressing speculation around Iran’s participation, Infantino stated clearly: “I should say, confirming straight away for those who maybe want to say something else or want to write something else, that 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, dear friends, because we have to unite,” said Infantino on Thursday.On the occasion, Infantino highlighted football’s ability to promote peace and unity, claiming that football unites the world.“We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility, it is our responsibility. Football unites the world, FIFA unites the world, you unite the world, we unite the world. And we always have to remember to be positive.“We have to be smiling, we have to be happy. There are enough problems around the world; there are enough people who try to divide all over the world. If nobody tries to unite, what will happen to our world? We have to do it, and we have this opportunity, we have it at the FIFA Congress, we have it with the FIFA Series, we have it, of course, with the FIFA World Cup, we have it with the power and the magic of all of you united because together we are unbeatable,” said the FIFA president.Infantino’s remarks come amid uncertainty surrounding Iran’s stance. Earlier, Iran had indicated it might not send its men’s team to the United States for the tournament as a protest following tensions linked to Israeli attacks reportedly backed by the US.According to the BBC, Iranian football federation officials, including its president Mehdi Taj, had been due to attend the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, but it was the only one from 211 member associations not present at the venue.The Iranian news agency Tasnim had earlier reported that its delegation turned back at the border control, citing their treatment by Canadian immigration authorities. The BBC report said that Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, said her understanding is that there was a “revocation” of the permission to enter the country.Despite these developments, FIFA’s position remains firm: Iran will be part of the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing the governing body’s message of unity through football on the global stage.
