FIFA defends Iran at World Cup amid calls for a ban

sportsMay 1, 202616261

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed in Vancouver that Iran will play its scheduled 2026 World Cup matches in the United States. Campaign groups including the Anti-Fascist Football Coalition and the Black Alliance for Peace urged FIFA to ban or relocate Iran's games, citing concerns about genocide, environmental destruction, and state violence. Protest organizers say Iran's national team "does not represent Iran" and that allowing matches to proceed rewards the regime's international image. The dispute forces FIFA to balance sporting access with human rights concerns and public safety at a US-hosted World Cup.

Savchenko Volodymyr

@savchenkoua.bsky.social

🇺🇸🇮🇷⚽️ I want to confirm that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and, of course, Iran will play in the US. We must unite people. And this is our responsibility with you, - FIFA President.

6845d ago

Michael R. Baier 🇩🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇦5

Im sure, he will bring in Ruzzia as well! 🤮

Mr. Micawber3

Does this guy now speak for the US government? If I were Iranian, I would definitely NOT go to play in the US. A promise from the head of FIFA is just as worthless as a promise from Trump.

elia ayoub

@ayoub.bsky.social

If you wanna watch the World Cup you may or may not wanna use not-very-legal channels that are readily found online to avoid giving FIFA any money Allegedly

4745d ago

Nathan Kalman-Lamb

@nkalamb.bsky.social

I have serious concerns that Iranian players will be made hostages of the US state.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, says Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, and they will play in the United States, because “FIFA unites”. Yet, Iran is the only member association not at the Congress after Canada revoked delegates’ visas #FIFA #FIFACongress

3745d ago

Nathan Kalman-Lamb6

Here’s the context for Iran not being in attendance.

Fared Al Mahlool | فريد المحلول

@faredalmahlool.bsky.social

BIG - Fifa President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US as planned, despite recent conflict and political tensions. Iran are scheduled to play group matches in Los Angeles (vs New Zealand and Belgium) and Seattle (vs Egypt).

2045d ago

NBC News

@nbcnews.com

President Donald Trump reacts to the president of FIFA saying that Iran will participate in the World Cup, including games in the U.S.

1645d ago

In My Opinion…3

Those attending matches in Canada and Mexico will have a great time with all the freedoms they will be afforded. Unfortunately visitors to the US may be subject to, no visa (even after paying for it), exorbitant tourist prices, social media checks, ICE detention and confiscation of belongings etc.

davea-nb.bsky.social

@davea-nb.bsky.social

FIFA is still around to do the bidding of anyone who will throw money its way. It is, by far, THE most corrupt and greedy sports organization in the world. I love the game, but I hope the next World Cup is played before largely empty stadiums.

1945d ago

Nathan Phillips

@nathanphillips.bsky.social

Infantino tried to leverage an active genocide for his personal benefit. Supporting the 2026 World Cup is supporting this behavior. Full stop.

1145d ago

The Blizzard

@theblizzard.bsky.social

Every World Cup, from Uruguay and Italy in 1930 and 1934, to Russia and Qatar in 2018 and 2022, has been to an extent about presenting an image to the world - @jonawils.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/football/202...

745d ago

Pardeep Cattry

@pcattry.bsky.social

FIFA president Gianni Infantino: "Of course, Iran will participate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and of course, Iran will play in the United States of America"

945d ago

AFP News Agency

@en.afp.com

⚽ FIFA says it will review its ticketing strategy for the 2030 World Cup following anger over skyrocketing prices for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. ➡️ u.afp.com/Sano

545d ago

Fabrizio Romano (MIRROR)

@fabrizioromano.yopro20.com

🚨 OFFICIAL: Iran will play at the 2026 World Cup, says FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “It’s very clear, Iran will be there and our responsibility is to unite”.