Italy repechage to World Cup: Infantino pulls straight but Iran isn't there

Canada has denied entry to Iran’s Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, and two other executives in his entourage, thus preventing the three from attending the FIFA Congress that has just begun in Vancouver.

Despite the diplomatic affair, at the opening of the proceedings FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the Iranian national team will regularly take part in the 2026 World Cup. “Iran will certainly be present at the 2026 World Cup and will play its three matches as scheduled in the United States,” he said.

The rejection of Taj is reportedly linked to his past in the Guards of the Revolution (the Pasdaran), considered a terrorist organization by Canada. The detention reportedly took place last Monday at the Toronto airport, but the news emerged only today: initially reported by Iranian media (which also spoke of alleged insults by border agents), it was later confirmed in the evening by the New York Times.

For their part, Canadian authorities did not comment on the specific case, invoking privacy regulations, but reiterated the government’s line: “Canada has been clear and consistent. Revolutionary Guard officers are not allowed in the country and have no place there.”