Iranian football officials were denied entry to Canada ahead of the FIFA Congress 2026 in Vancouver, forcing their delegation to return home and casting uncertainty over Iran’s World Cup participation.
The delegation, including Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, left Toronto after what Iranian media described as “insulting” treatment by immigration authorities, who cited links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Canada’s immigration agency said individuals associated with the IRGC, designated a terrorist organisation in 2024, are inadmissible. “The government has been clear and consistent,” the agency said, declining to comment on specific cases.
The incident comes less than two months before the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, where Iran has already qualified. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran would play its matches “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
The episode adds to broader tensions surrounding Iran’s participation following the Middle East conflict that escalated on February 28, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that entry restrictions could still apply to officials linked to the IRGC.
Around 1,600 delegates from more than 200 associations are attending the Congress, where discussions also include tournament logistics, ticket pricing and financial distributions.
Read: Iran Football Team Holds Schoolbags in Protest
Infantino faces criticism over rising World Cup costs and governance issues, while rights groups have urged FIFA to address concerns about immigration policies affecting fans and teams.
The Congress is also expected to revisit Russia’s suspension from international football, imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Infantino previously signalling openness to lifting the ban.
