Officials from the Iran Football Federation will not attend the FIFA Congress in Canada this Thursday, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim. The reason given was the “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto airport, where the delegation arrived.

Iranian officials turned back

Tasnim reported that three federation officials, president Mehdi Taj, secretary general Hedayat Mombeini, and his deputy Hamed Momeni, had valid visas to attend Thursday’s Congress but were forced to turn back.

Iran’s presence at the World Cup remains uncertain, just as its participation in the FIFA Congress, attended by all 211 member associations, had been. This latest setback strains a relationship that had appeared to improve after FIFA president Gianni Infantino met personally with Team Melli and its officials during the most recent international break.

Iran set to play in Group G at World Cup 2026

Iran has qualified for the World Cup on sporting merit, but security and travel concerns surrounding the team’s matches in the United States led officials in Tehran to seek guarantees and request alternative venues. FIFA rejected a proposal to move their games to Mexico, so Iran is expected to play its matches in the U.S. as scheduled.

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