Iran's Guarantee of Participation in the World Cup Is Just Rhetoric

VANCOUVER, FRIDAY – FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup. However, this statement is merely rhetorical. The Iranian delegation faced obstacles when attempting to attend the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada. The absence of Iranian football officials has raised further concerns regarding Iran's opportunity to compete in the World Cup.

It is hard to imagine that Infantino's statements will materialize considering the treatment of the Canadian Immigration Authority towards the Iranian football delegation. According to various reports, several officials from the Iranian Football Federation, including the President of the Federation Mehdi Taj, have already departed for Canada to attend the FIFA Congress. However, during their journey, they were held up while undergoing immigration checks.

Each federation can send up to two representatives to the Congress. Taj initially planned to attend but then chose to return to Iran after facing issues at Toronto Airport immigration. Iranian officials described the treatment as unacceptable since they were traveling with valid visas.

The reason is that Taj has been identified as a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Canadian authorities have designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The incident experienced by the Iranian delegation, according to Canadian authorities, is based on a case-by-case basis and individuals associated with the IRGC.

"I can provide the following guarantees and facts. First, as you know, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and all its members have been designated as a terrorist organization for several years. Its members are prohibited from entering. We have conducted a series of checks and have taken action. No members are allowed to enter this country (Canada). Appropriate measures have been taken," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Although only Taj was denied entry into Canada, other Iranian delegates announced their withdrawal from the congress. Iran's absence caused the FIFA Congress to lose direct representation from the country that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. This FIFA Congress aims to facilitate behind-the-scenes discussions among participating countries. Therefore, the absence of Iranian representatives serves as an early signal of the obstacles they will face in the main stage of the World Cup later.

During the congress, Infantino promptly responded by stating that Iran will definitely continue to participate in the World Cup. Iran, whose entire group stage match schedule is held in the United States, had previously requested to compete at an alternative location. The location in question was Mexico. However, this request was denied by FIFA.

"Allow me to start from the beginning. Of course, Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Of course, Iran will play in the United States. The reason is very simple, we must unite. This is my responsibility, our responsibility," said Infantino at the beginning of the congress.

As with Infantino, U.S. President Donald Trump also stated that he has no issue with Iran competing in its territory. "Well, if Gianni (Infantino) said it, I have no problem. Did Gianni say it? You know what? Let them play. Gianni is great, he is my friend. He talked about it," said Trump.

"I said, just do whatever you want. You can get it. You don't have to own it. They might have a good team. Do they have a good team?" he continued.

This edition of the World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams. The United States is serving as the host alongside Canada and Mexico. The vast geographical area of the three countries necessitates that teams, officials, and support staff move between jurisdictions, thereby increasing the likelihood that visa restrictions or diplomatic friction may complicate movement for certain countries.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that Washington has no objections to the participation of Iranian players in the World Cup. However, he added that the players would not be allowed to bring individuals with connections to the IRGC. This statement reinforces indications that the assurances from Infantino and Trump will remain merely rhetorical. (AFP/REUTERS)