FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in 2026. FIFA World CupDespite recent geopolitical tensions between Israel and the US.The announcement came during Infantino’s address at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where he emphasized soccer’s role in promoting unity in a divided world. The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature 48 teams.Dismissing speculation about Iran’s participation, Infantino said clearly: “I want to immediately confirm for those who might want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States.” And the reason is very simple, dear friends, because we have to unite,” Infantino said on Thursday.On the occasion, Infantino highlighted the potential of football to promote peace and unity, claiming that football unites the world.“We have to bring people together. It’s my responsibility, it’s our responsibility. Football unites the world, FIFA unites the world, you unite the world, we unite the world. And we have to always remember to be positive.“We have to keep smiling, we have to be happy. There are enough problems around the world; there are enough people who try to divide the whole world. What will happen to our world if nobody tries to unite? 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, the FIFA World Cup, and with the power of the World Cup. You are united because we are invincible,” FIFA’s The president said.Infantino’s comments come amid uncertainty about Iran’s stance. Iran had earlier indicated that it may not send its men’s team to the US for the tournament in protest following tensions over alleged US-backed Israeli attacks.Officials from the Iranian Football Federation, including its president Mehdi Taj, were scheduled to attend the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, but only one person from the 211 member associations was absent, according to the BBC.Iran’s Tasnim news agency earlier reported that his delegation was turned back at border controls, citing their treatment by Canadian immigration officials. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said it was her understanding that entry into the country had been “revoked,” the BBC reported.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 world stage.
