World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms final decision on Iran’s participation

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has reiterated his condemnation that Iran volition enactment successful the World Cup this summer, contempt the federation’s lack from the legislature successful Vancouver.

A three-member delegation from the Iranian Football Federation arrived successful Toronto connected Tuesday; however, 1 subordinate was denied introduction into Canada, portion the different 2 chose not to be the legislature successful what appeared to beryllium a protest.

Earlier this week, Iranian media reported that IFF president Mehdi Taj was refused introduction astatine Toronto’s Pearson Airport, contempt having received authorization to travel. Fifa sources characterized the concern arsenic a “regrettable circumstance,” but emphasized that Iran had been invited to the legislature and that the determination regarding introduction was successful the hands of Canadian authorities.

During the roll-call of the 210 Fifa members present, wide caput Mattias Grafström did not code Iran’s absence.

Iran’s engagement has been uncertain since the US and Israel initiated airstrikes connected the Islamic Republic successful February; however, Infantino affirmed that they volition implicit fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

“Let maine statesman by confirming close away, for those who whitethorn privation to asseverate different oregon constitute differently, that Iran volition so beryllium participating ...