VANCOUVER - FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted Iran will play its World Cup matches in the United States, addressing the soccer governing body's Congress on Thursday. Iran's delegation was absent from the meeting, highlighting mounting tensions over the country's participation in the 2026 tournament.
"Let me start at the outset. Of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino said.
A source with direct knowledge told Reuters two members of Iran's delegation could have attended the FIFA congress but chose not to after one member was denied entry into Canada. That individual is a former member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designates as a terrorist organization.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed: "The members are prohibited from coming. We have a series of screenings, and we take action. And no members have entered the country."
The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, requires teams and officials to move across borders repeatedly, raising diplomatic friction for certain nations. Iran had requested alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil, but FIFA rejected the request, insisting the schedule will stand.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has no objections to Iranian players participating but warned they will not be allowed to bring individuals with ties to the IRGC.
Outside the convention center, about 30 protesters draped in Iranian flags called for regime change, chanting, "IRGC is terrorists. No deal with terrorists."