FIFA Invites Iran for World Cup Participation Talks

FIFA has invited the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) to its headquarters in Zurich on May 20 to discuss Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play in the tournament, despite uncertainties stemming from regional conflicts.

The Iranian delegation, led by FFIRI President Mehdi Taj, faced issues at the Canadian border due to their affiliations with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designates as a terrorist organization. Following this incident, Taj and two colleagues returned to Iran after being denied entry.

Taj expressed a desire to meet FIFA to discuss various subjects related to the World Cup, where Iran is set to open its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.