World Cup
Iranian Football Delegation Turned Back at Toronto Airport, Miss FIFA Congress
An Iranian football federation delegation led by Mehdi Taj was reportedly denied entry into Canada this week, forcing the group to abandon plans to attend a key pre-World Cup meeting.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the delegation, which included the federation secretary general Hedayat Mombeni and his deputy Hamed Momeni, arrived in Toronto with valid visas but chose to return to Turkey after what they described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration officials.
The officials had been en route to Vancouver to participate in the FIFA Congress, a gathering that has taken on heightened significance with the FIFA World Cup less than two months away.
In a statement carried by Tasnim, the Iranian federation said the treatment of its officials amounted to an insult, particularly given Taj’s past affiliation with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Canadian authorities declined to comment on the specific case, citing privacy laws, but reiterated a longstanding policy regarding individuals linked to the IRGC.
“We have been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” the government said, noting that it has taken measures to hold the organisation accountable.
Canada formally designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2024, a move that has since influenced immigration decisions involving individuals associated with the group. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree reinforced that position, stating that members of the IRGC are not welcome in the country.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, which questioned why Taj had been granted special permission to travel in the first place, arguing that such exemptions undermine Canada’s human rights commitments.
FIFA caught in the middle
Football’s global governing body, FIFA, has reportedly expressed regret over the incident and is seeking to resolve the situation. According to Tasnim, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to meet with the Iranian delegation at FIFA headquarters.
A source at the Congress indicated that FIFA had dispatched a representative to mediate at Toronto airport, but the effort failed to prevent the delegation’s withdrawal.
The absence of Iranian officials was also felt at the Asian Football Confederation gathering in Vancouver, further underlining the ripple effects of the incident.
The episode raises doubts over Iran’s participation logistics in the upcoming World Cup, particularly given the tournament’s multi-country hosting format.
While America’s Marco Rubio has indicated that Iranian players would be allowed to compete, he made clear that individuals with IRGC ties would not be permitted entry into the United States.
A delegate at the AFC Congress summed up the concern: if entry issues are already emerging in Canada, widely regarded as one of the more accessible host nations, the situation could become more complicated in other host countries.
Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub also warned that visa uncertainties are casting a shadow over preparations, calling for a clearer separation between politics and sport.
The incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, with geopolitical tensions involving Iran continuing to shape international relations. These dynamics are increasingly spilling into football administration, traditionally governed by principles of neutrality and inclusivity.
Iranian authorities are reportedly seeking guarantees to ensure smooth participation at the World Cup, including discussions around travel arrangements and, in extreme scenarios, alternative venues.
For FIFA, the challenge will be to maintain the integrity and inclusiveness of the tournament while navigating the complex political realities imposed by host nations.
With the World Cup fast approaching, the Toronto incident may prove to be more than an isolated diplomatic episode—it could be an early signal of the logistical and political hurdles that lie ahead for one of football’s most globally anticipated events.
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The United States will stage a star-studded and entertainment-driven opening ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles on Friday, 12 June, as football’s biggest tournament officially takes centre stage across North America.
FIFA announced that the ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium will feature some of the world’s biggest music stars, including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla, with more international performers expected to be announced in the coming months.
The ceremony, scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off, is expected to deliver a high-energy showcase reflecting the diversity, entertainment culture and global influence of the United States, particularly the creative spirit of Los Angeles, widely regarded as the entertainment capital of the world.
According to FIFA, the Los Angeles spectacle will form part of an unprecedented trilogy of opening ceremonies spread across the three co-host nations: Mexico, Canada and the United States — creating what organisers described as one continental celebration united by “a shared heartbeat.”
Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony will combine large-scale visuals, immersive storytelling and live performances centred around the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy and the cultural identity of the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the Los Angeles ceremony would underline the scale and global reach of the expanded tournament.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” Infantino said.
“The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture.”
Fans attending the event have been encouraged to arrive early, with stadium gates opening four hours before kick-off to allow supporters to participate in activations, entertainment experiences, live pre-match programmes and interactive fan activities.
The ceremony will precede the United States’ opening match against Paraguay in what promises to be one of the biggest sporting and entertainment events of the year.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, will be played across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, beginning in Mexico City on 11 June before concluding with the final at New York-New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.
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World Cup
June 12 Comes Alive as Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé Lead Canada’s World Cup Opening Celebration in Toronto
Canada will officially welcome the world to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a star-studded opening ceremony in Toronto on Friday, 12 June, showcasing the country’s diversity, multicultural identity and growing football culture.
The ceremony, scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off at Toronto Stadium, will feature performances from leading international and Canadian music stars, including Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince.
FIFA said the event would celebrate the energy and diversity of the tournament while connecting fans in Toronto to festivities taking place across the three host nations — Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Canadian ceremony will revolve around a unique artistic interpretation of the FIFA World Cup Trophy as a mosaic, symbolising the country’s many cultures, communities and people. The production is being organised in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, which is overseeing the creative vision for the opening ceremonies across all three host countries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as a reflection of Canada’s identity and football ambitions.
“The opening ceremony in Toronto will be a powerful reflection of Canada’s identity and the energy surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino said. “Through music, culture and unforgettable performances, we will welcome the world with a celebration that is uniquely Canadian while also connected to a larger story unfolding across Mexico and the United States.”
According to FIFA, the ceremony will begin with a visual and musical journey across Canada, highlighting moments and communities from coast to coast to coast as anticipation builds towards kick-off.
Supporters attending the event will also play an interactive role in the celebration, with stadium gates opening four hours before the match to provide access to fan activities, entertainment, rewards and special pre-match experiences.
The ceremony will precede a landmark occasion for Canadian football as Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup match on home soil.
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the final scheduled for 19 July at New York /New Jersey Stadium.
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Mexico will launch the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a spectacular opening ceremony designed to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage, musical diversity and artistic traditions before the tournament’s opening match in Mexico City on 11 June.
FIFA announced that the ceremony at the historic Mexico City Stadium will begin 90 minutes before kick-off and feature an array of international and Mexican music stars, including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla.
The ceremony is expected to blend modern entertainment with traditional Mexican artistry, placing indigenous talent and folkloric performers at the centre of the production. FIFA said the creative theme for the Mexican ceremony will revolve around the traditional art of “papel picado”, symbolising celebration, craftsmanship and national identity.
The event forms part of a trilogy of opening ceremonies that will also continue in Toronto and Los Angeles as the three host nations jointly stage football’s biggest spectacle for the first time.
Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremonies will share a unified creative concept centred on reimagining the FIFA World Cup Trophy through the cultural lens of each host country.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the ceremonies as a symbol of unity and diversity.
“The FIFA World Cup is a moment the world shares, and that begins with how we open it,” Infantino said. “Starting with Mexico City and continuing the next days with Toronto and Los Angeles, these ceremonies will bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament.”
Fans attending the opening match are expected to play an active role in the festivities, with stadium gates opening four hours before kick-off to allow supporters access to entertainment activities, fan activations and pre-match experiences.
The opening game of the tournament will see Mexico take on South Africa in what will also mark a historic occasion for the Mexico City venue, which becomes the first stadium ever to host matches at three different FIFA World Cups.
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, culminating in the final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.
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