FIFA head announces no changes to Iran's World Cup schedule as protestors demand team ban
Protesters react as they hold demonstration placards outside the Vancouver Convention Centre during the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026. (photo credit: REUTERS/JENNIFER GAUTHIER) Protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, calling for the Iranian team to be banned from the upcoming World Cup for representing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play its originally scheduled World Cup matches this summer in the United States.
Infantino made the announcement during his opening remarks on Thursday at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, BC, one day after members of Iran's delegation to the congress were denied entry into Canada. "Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino said. "The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite.
We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility. " Iran's delegation was noted as being "absent" from Thursday's roll call of delegates.
According to ESPN, two of Iran's delegates were allowed into Canada but opted not to attend after another member of the party was turned away by immigration. Infantino previously ruled out the possibility of replacing Iran or moving Iran's group-stage games to one of the other World Cup co-hosts, Canada or Mexico. President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Referee Committee Chairperson Pierluigi Collina pose with a referee shirt during the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026.
(credit: REUTERS/JENNIFER GAUTHIER) Protesters decry IRGC team Iran's soccer team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), not the people of Iran, and FIFA should ban the team from participating in the upcoming World Cup , protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver said on Thursday. "This is not Iran, this is the Islamic Republic's team. This is IRGC's team," said Pouria Mahmoudi, an organizer with Mission for My Homeland, which brought together about 30 protesters draped in Iranian flags and holding signs supporting Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.