The Iranian football delegation has pulled out of the ongoing FIFA Congress in Canada, creating a sudden diplomatic stir at the event. The withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday, 2026, during the second day of the congress held in Toronto.
According to official sources within the Iranian camp, the decision came after a dispute over the accreditation of certain delegates. The Iranian Football Federation stated that its representatives were not granted the necessary credentials to participate fully in the congress sessions. This, they argued, made their continued presence meaningless.
The walkout occurred just before a key vote on the 2026 World Cup hosting rights. Iran had been expected to support the joint bid from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The sudden exit left many delegates and FIFA officials surprised.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the matter was being reviewed. “We are aware of the situation regarding the Iranian delegation. We are in contact with them to resolve the issue,” the spokesperson said. No further details were provided on the nature of the accreditation problem.
The Iranian team had arrived in Canada earlier this week with a full schedule of meetings. Their abrupt departure now raises questions about the country’s future participation in FIFA events. The Iranian federation has not yet issued a formal statement explaining the full reasons behind the move.
This incident adds to a series of political tensions surrounding the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is set to be hosted across three North American nations, and Iran’s withdrawal from the congress could signal deeper disagreements behind the scenes.
