FIFA President Gianni Infantino kicked off his address at Thursday's FIFA Congress with a powerful statement: Iran will compete in the upcoming World Cup, and the team will play its matches in the United States despite ongoing tensions between the two nations.
"The reason is very simple, dear friends," Infantino told delegates. "We have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility. It is our responsibility. Football unites the world. FIFA unites the world. You unite the world. We unite the world."
The announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic strain, highlighted by a troubling development this week: representatives from the Iranian soccer federation were reportedly denied entry into Canada. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed her "understanding" that the officials were turned away at Toronto's airport, following a report from the Iranian news agency Tasnim. According to the report, Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj and two other officials were refused entry.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between sports and geopolitics. Earlier this week, during the Asian soccer federation's congress in Vancouver, Iran's World Cup participation—and whether its matches should be relocated from the U.S.—was notably not discussed. At Thursday's FIFA Congress roll call, where all nations were named, Iran was marked as absent. Outside the Vancouver Convention Center, a small group of protesters gathered, waving Iranian flags.
Infantino has remained steadfast on Iran's inclusion, even after the team reportedly requested to move its games to Mexico—a request that was denied. The World Cup kicks off June 11, with the final set for July 19, and matches will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In a contrast to concerns over U.S. immigration policies ahead of the tournament, Canadian officials at the Congress emphasized the nation's commitment to inclusivity and unity through sport.
For fans and players alike, the message is clear: on the world's biggest stage, football has the power to transcend borders and bring people together.