September 9 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reassured the Iranian national team that the world governing body will do everything to facilitate the country’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.
On Monday, the FIFA chief attended the final of the Central Asian championships (CAFA Nations Cup) between Uzbekistan and Iran and met with the Iranian administration.
The Tehran Times reports that Infantino assured Iran’s team members that FIFA will resolve visa-related issues ahead of the 2026 tournament – that will be co-hosted by the United States – and that there should be no serious problems for Iran’s World Cup participation.
In March, Iran qualified for the 2026 finals after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan, but questions have been raised over the country’s participation in the tournament.
Iranian citizens are under a travel ban that prevents them from entering the United States. The travel ban by the Donald Trump government – the same administration that authorised attacks on nuclear sites in Iran in June – contains exemptions for World Cup and Olympic athletes.
Uzbekistan claimed the CAF Nations Cup crown with a 1-0 victory after extra time. Iran’s Arya Yousefi was sent off early on, but the Uzbeks could not find the breakthrough in normal time.
It was Xojiakbar Alijonov who got the winner in the 120th minute. India claimed third place, defeating Oman 3-2 after a penalty shootout.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]