FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play in World Cup

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- Infantino confirmed Iran will play in the World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to a full 32‑team roster.
- Anand said Canada revoked Iran’s entry permission, leaving the Iranian football federation as the only nation out of 211 absent from the Vancouver congress.
- Trump previously warned Iran should stay out for its own safety, even as Iran petitioned to move its matches to Mexico, but FIFA kept the schedule unchanged.
- Iran was the sole country among 211 to miss the congress after its delegation was denied entry over alleged IRGC ties, underscoring the diplomatic fallout.
Why it matters: FIFA preserves its 211‑nation roster and the June‑11 kickoff, securing the tournament’s schedule; Iranian fans keep a World Cup slot while Canada forfeits a diplomatic showcase, diminishing its soft‑power outreach.



