Gianni Infantino. (Photo by AFP) FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite recent geopolitical tensions between Israel and the United States.The announcement came during Infantino’s speech at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where he emphasized soccer’s role in promoting unity across a divided world. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature 48 teams.Addressing the speculation about Iran’s participation, Infantino clearly stated: “I should say, and confirm right away for those who might want to say something else or want to write something else, that of course Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America. And the reason for that is very simple, dear friends, because on Thursday we have to unite.”Speaking on the occasion, Infantino highlighted football’s ability to promote peace and unity, asserting that football unites the world.“We have to bring people together. It’s my responsibility, it’s our responsibility. Football brings the world together, FIFA brings the world together, you bring the world together, we bring the world together. And we always have to remember to be positive.”“We have to smile, we have to be happy. There are enough problems in the world; there are enough people trying to divide all over the world. If no one tries to unite, what will happen to our world? We have to do it, and we have this opportunity, we have it with the FIFA Congress, we have it with the FIFA series, we have it, of course, with the FIFA World Cup and we have united it with the magic of the whole world, we have united it. unbeatable,” said the FIFA president.Infantino’s comments come amid uncertainty surrounding Iran’s stance. Iran has previously indicated it may not send its men’s team to the United States for the tournament in protest following tensions over alleged US-backed Israeli attacks.According to the BBC, officials from the Iran Football Federation, including its president Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, but was the only one of the 211 member associations not to attend.Iran’s Tasnim news agency had previously reported that its delegation had returned at a border check, citing how they had been treated by Canadian immigration authorities. A BBC report said Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said her understanding was that there had been a “cancellation” of entry into the country.Despite these developments, FIFA’s position remains firm: Iran will be part of the 2026 World Cup and will reinforce the governing body’s message of unity through football on the global stage.
