Infantino reiterates Iran will play scheduled FIFA World Cup matches in USA

Irans involvement in this years event across Canada, Mexico, and the United States has faced doubts since the Middle East conflict began in February, triggered by attacks from the United States and Israel.

Infantino has often affirmed that Iran will join the World Cup, and he emphasised this position during his opening speech to delegates in Vancouver.

Let me begin right away by confirming immediately that naturally Iran will take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Infantino stated.

And naturally, Iran will compete in the United States of America.

Iranian authorities had suggested moving their group stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico, though Infantino had already rejected that suggestion.

In an additional development last week, Italy-born US special envoy Paolo Zampolli reportedly proposed that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup.

The US government subsequently clarified it did not support that idea, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating that Irans football team would be allowed entry.

However, concerns over Irans World Cup role persisted leading up to Thursdays FIFA Congress.

Iran was the sole no-show among the 211 member congress as the session commenced on Thursday, following a dispute with Canadian border authorities earlier in the week.

Representatives from the Iranian football federation (FFIRI) suddenly departed Canada after arriving in Toronto, cancelling their journey to Vancouver.

Iranian news outlets reported that FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, once part of Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two associates, returned home after facing disrespect from Canadian immigration staff.

Canada, having labelled the IRGC a terrorist group in 2024, stated on Wednesday that people connected to it are not permitted entry.

Although we are unable to discuss specific instances because of privacy regulations, our government has remained firm and unwavering. IRGC members are not admissible in Canada and do not belong here, Canadas immigration authority declared in a release.

Iran, set to use Tucson, Arizona as their base during the tournament, will meet New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.