Iran officials denied access to FIFA World Cup meeting - 'They have no place in our country'

Iranian football federation officials were denied entrance into Canada to attend a FIFA meeting relating to the World Cup.

In just six weeks, the biggest competition in football will kick off as the World Cup gets underway across North America.

The tournament will get underway when Mexico, who will co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and the USA, welcome South Africa to Estadio Azteca for the opening fixture.

In total, a record 48 countries will compete in the tournament, split into 12 groups of four teams.

However, one country that has had its place in the World Cup called into question in recent weeks is Iran, due to the ongoing conflict between the Middle Eastern nation and the US.

As it stands, Iran is still scheduled to take part, despite a late push from one of Donald Trump's ally's to have them replaced by Italy, but it's now been revealed that officials from the country's football federation were denied entry to Canada ahead of a World Cup meeting.

In an official statement, the Iranian football federation claimed that a delegation sent to the meeting was turned away at Toronto Pearson Airport.

The delegation, which included the federation's president and former member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Mehdi Taj, suggests they were subject to "the unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials".

Their statement added that the treatment was an "insult to one of the most honourable organs of the Iranian nation's armed forces," revealing that the delegation returned to Turkey shortly after.

All 211 member associations were set to be present at the FIFA Congress ahead of the World Cup this summer.

Canada officials respond to Iran being denied entry ahead of FIFA Congress

Shortly after the incident, Anita Anand, Canada's foreign minister, said that Iran's officials being denied entry had been "unintentional".

"It's not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I'll leave it to the minister to indicate," Anand said.

In another statement, immigration minister Lena Diab's press secretary, Taous Ait, added that members of the IRGC are "inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country".

The IRGC has been listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada since 2024.

"We have taken strong action to hold the IRGC to account and will continue to do so, while protecting the safety of Canadians and upholding the integrity of our immigration system," Ait stated.

Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play in the World Cup

Just hours after reports of the Iranian football federation's difficulties in Canada emerged, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated that the country will play at the World Cup.

Speaking at the FIFA Congress, he said: “Let me start by the outset, confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“And of course, Iran will play the United States of America.”

Iran are in Group G at the World Cup and will begin their campaign with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before playing Belgium at the same venue on June 21.

They will then play Egypt in their final group stage match in Seattle on June 26.