The 76th FIFA Congress opened in Vancouver on Thursday as the organization faces disputes over Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup and questions about logistics ahead of the tournament in June.
The Iranian Football Federation delegation left Canada this week after arriving in Toronto. Iranian officials said they were “insulted” by immigration authorities. The Canadian government said several delegation members, including FFIRI President Mehdi Taj, were inadmissible under Canada’s 2024 designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran’s team will play its scheduled matches. Iran is drawn to play group-stage games in the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said players are welcome but warned that staff or officials with IRGC ties may be denied entry.
Tehran proposed moving its matches to Mexico. Infantino rejected the request and said the draw will stand.
FIFA increased team payments to nearly $900 million to address concerns from qualified nations about travel and operating costs across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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Amnesty International called for safety guarantees for fans and journalists traveling to the United States, citing immigration enforcement policies.
Member associations also raised concerns over Infantino’s decision to award the FIFA Peace Prize to President Donald Trump at the December draw. Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness called for the prize to be abolished.
Infantino has said he supports Russia’s return to international competition.
The 2026 World Cup begins in June with 48 teams.
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