More than three decades have passed since a young, fearless midfielder first pulled on the green-and-white jersey of Nigeria. Yet, 33 years after his debut, the name Jay-Jay Okocha still rolls off the tongue with reverence, nostalgia, and a sense of wonder.

On May 2, 1993, Okocha made his first appearance for the Super Eagles in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan. Nigeria lost 2–1 that day, but something far more enduring had been born — the international career of a player who would go on to redefine flair, creativity, and football artistry in African football.

The heartbeat of a Golden Generation

Okocha emerged as a central figure in Nigeria’s celebrated “Golden Generation” of the mid-1990s, a team that dazzled Africa and commanded global respect between 1994 and 1996.

With 68 caps for Nigeria, he was not just a midfielder; he was the rhythm of the team. His ability to glide past defenders, dictate tempo, and produce moments of sheer brilliance made him indispensable.

At the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, his creative spark stood out in a Super Eagles side that flattered to deceive. For many observers, Okocha was Nigeria’s brightest light on the global stage.

From Enugu streets to European stardom

Okocha’s journey began modestly with Enugu Rangers as a teenager. But destiny intervened during a holiday trip to Germany, where a trial with a lower-division side opened the door to Europe.

His breakthrough came at Eintracht Frankfurt, where his dazzling dribbles and audacious skills quickly made him a fan favourite and a Bundesliga sensation. From there, his rise was swift.

A move to Fenerbahçe in 1996 brought league success, but it was his record-breaking transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 1998 — worth $17 million — that cemented his global status. At the time, it made him the most expensive Nigerian player ever and one of the biggest signings in French football history.

Cult hero in England

If Germany and France admired Okocha, England adored him.

At Bolton Wanderers, he became more than a player — he was a phenomenon. Fans sang, “Jay-Jay Okocha — so good they named him twice,” a chant that still echoes in Premier League folklore.

Under manager Sam Allardyce, Okocha captained the side and led Bolton into one of the most successful periods in their history, including the remarkable 2003/04 season. His flair brought joy to fans, but his leadership brought stability to a club long associated with relegation struggles.

Recognition among the greats

In March 2004, Brazilian legend Pelé included Okocha in his prestigious list of the 125 greatest living footballers — a rare honour that underlined his global impact. Only five African players made that elite list.

Okocha’s brilliance was not just about trophies or statistics; it was about influence. Many players across generations have cited him as an inspiration — a footballer who made the game feel like art.

Among his many contributions to Nigerian football, one stands out symbolically: scoring the 1,000th goal in Africa Cup of Nations history during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 win over South Africa in Tunisia.

Jay-Jay Okocha (right) nets the 1,000th goal in Africa Cup of Nations history past South Africa’s Emile Baron during the AFCON match in Monastir, Tunisia, on 31 January 2004. Photo: Fethi Belaid/AFP

By the time he stepped away from international football, he ranked among Nigeria’s most capped players, trailing only legends like Muda Lawal at the time.

Today, 33 years after that modest debut in Abidjan, Okocha’s legacy remains undiminished. In Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul, Bolton — and across Nigeria — he is remembered not just for what he achieved, but for how he made people feel.

He did not just play football. He performed it.

And in doing so, Jay-Jay Okocha ensured that time may pass, but magic never fades.

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Taj, a ‌former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said he was questioned by Canadian immigration about his ties to the group, but was ultimately allowed into the country for the pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.

Canadian authorities ​have said members of the IRGC are prohibited from entering the country, which is ​set to co-host the World Cup from June along with the United ⁠States and Mexico.

“We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they ​had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC,” Iran’s semi-official news ​agency Tasnim quoted Taj as saying.

“We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organisation in. They said that it is the law of ​our country.

“After a while, they said you can enter, but we decided to return. They didn’t ​deport us, and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the ‌airport ⁠for three hours, you made us wait for nothing.”

Reuters has contacted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which issues visas to travel to the country, for comment.

Taj said FIFA president Gianni Infantino had offered to send a jet to take the Iranian delegation to Canada after they returned to ​Turkey, but they refused.

“I ​told the FIFA secretary ⁠general (Mattias Grafstrom) that you are intimidated by America and that you say ‘yes, sir’ to whatever they say,” he said.

Reuters has reached out to FIFA ​for comment.

Infantino insisted on Thursday that Iran would play World Cup matches ​in the United ⁠States, despite tensions between the two countries since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. FIFA earlier rejected Tehran’s request for alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil.

“We need ⁠to ​hold a meeting with FIFA officials to ensure that if ​we are to come to the World Cup, there should be no side issues and controversies for our team,” Taj ​said about Iran’s participation.

-Reuters

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Co-hosts Mexico open the tournament on June 11 ‌with a Group A match against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which is 2,200m (7,216 feet) above sea level.

While most of the South African players are based at clubs ​in Johannesburg, which has an altitude of 1,753m, Broos says his squad need ​time to adjust to the conditions in Mexico before the opening ⁠game.

The squad will travel on May 30 to their base in Pachuca, which is ​around 200 metres higher than Mexico City. The city is less than 100 km ​from Mexico City.

“The first days it will be difficult to train at 100% because of the altitude, so that is what we will do in the second week,” Broos said in a radio ​interview.

South Africa plan to take on Nicaragua at home in a friendly on May ​29, although this is not confirmed, and are negotiating to have Puerto Rico as a warm-up ‌opponent ⁠for a second international scrimmage in Pachuca.

In their other World Cup group matches, South Africa will meet the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18 and South Korea in Monterrey on June 24, seeking to advance past the first round for the first time ​in their fourth World ​Cup appearance.

“It’s not ⁠an easy group for us. First of all, we will face the hosts in the opening game, at the Azteca Stadium, ​and it will be very difficult for us there,” Broos said ​earlier in ⁠the year.

But the veteran coach, who played for semi-finalists Belgium at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, has also previously predicted his side could cause some upsets at the tournament, ⁠which is ​also being played in Canada and the U.S.

South ​Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 at Soccer City in Johannesburg in the opening game of the 2010 World ​Cup, which South Africa hosted.

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“This is not Iran; this is the Islamic Republic’s team. This is IRGC’s ​team,” said Pouria Mahmoudi, an organiser with Mission for My Homeland, which brought together about 30 ​protesters draped in Iranian flags and holding signs supporting Iranian opposition figure Reza ⁠Pahlavi.

Demonstration placards are seen outside the Vancouver Convention Centre during the 76th FIFA Congress REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier

“They’re here not to represent Iran. They’re here to normalise what’s happening in Iran, the massacre in ​Iran. So, no, they should not be in the World Cup,” he told Reuters.

Iran have qualified for ​the June 11-July 19 tournament but their participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil amid the nation’s two-month old conflict with the United States and Israel.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated on Thursday that he ​expected Iran to participate and play matches in the U.S., and U.S. President Donald Trump later in ​the day said he agreed with Infantino’s position.

A protester holds demonstration placards outside the Vancouver Convention Centre during the 76th FIFA Congress REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier

CRACKDOWN ON PROTESTERS

Anti-government protests in Iran in January were met with a brutal ‌crackdown ⁠by the state, in which thousands died. Mahmoudi said the carnage outweighed the desire of the players on the team to compete at the tournament.

“How about those are killed, the Iranian footballers, who are killed also? FIFA shouldn’t be quiet about them,” he said.

“People should speak up about the athletes who have been ​killed, especially the footballers. ​Russia was banned from ⁠the World Cup… so we expect FIFA to do the same.”

Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the gathering in Vancouver ​but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian ​immigration authorities, ⁠despite travelling with valid visas.

Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa designates as a terrorist organisation, were inadmissible.

Taj is a former member of ⁠the ​IRGC.

“The moment we heard that he was coming to Canada, ​we tried our best to deport him, and we’re happy that it happened,” Mahmoudi said.

“This is really great success for us. It ​shows that Iranian people, when they’re united, can do big things.”

-Reuters

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“Let me start at the outset. Of course, Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said.

“And the reason for that is very simple: we have to unite. It is my responsibility, our responsibility.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said ​he was “okay” with Iran playing at the World Cup.

“Well, if Gianni said it, I’m okay. Did Gianni say it?… You know what? ​Let them play. Well, Gianni’s fantastic, he’s a friend of mine. He talked about it,” Trump told reporters on ⁠Thursday.

“I said you do whatever you want. You can have them. You don’t have to have them. They probably have a good team. Do they ​have a good team?”

Iran have qualified for the June 11-July 19 tournament, but their participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches ​on U.S. soil.

FIFA has rejected the request, insisting the schedule would stand.

Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the Congress but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, underscored the practical and political obstacles surrounding Iran’s participation ​in the World Cup, the most politically sensitive item on FIFA’s agenda since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in February.

A source ​with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters two members of the delegation could have attended the FIFA congress but chose not to after one of their delegation ‌members was denied ⁠entry into Canada.

Taj is a former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa designates as a terrorist organisation, are inadmissible.

“I can provide the following assurances and facts. One is that, as you know, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and all those members have been listed as a terrorist organisation for several years,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said.

“The members are ​prohibited from coming. We have a ​series of screenings, and we take ⁠action. And no members have entered the country. Action has been taken appropriately.”

Iran’s absence deprived the congress of direct representation from a country whose presence at the 2026 World Cup is already shaping behind-the-scenes discussions, and the issue ​is particularly acute given the tournament’s cross-border nature.

The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States ​and Mexico, will ⁠require teams, officials and support staff to move repeatedly between jurisdictions, raising the prospect that visa restrictions or diplomatic frictions could complicate planning for certain nations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week Washington had no objections to Iranian players participating in the World Cup, but added that the players would not be allowed to ⁠bring with ​them people with ties to the IRGC.

Outside the convention centre, about 30 protesters draped in Iranian ​flags and holding signs gathered to voice their desire to see regime change in Iran. The protesters chanted their support for Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.

“IRGC is terrorists,” they chanted. “No deal ​with terrorists.” “Hey FIFA, oi FIFA, no deal with terrorists.”

-Reuters

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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 FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver ahead of the ​76th FIFA Congress, approved a 15% increase in the resources to ⁠be distributed to all 48 participating member associations at next year’s tournament in ​Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The total pot will rise to $871 million, FIFA ​said, with each participating team receiving increased preparation money of $2.5 million, up from $1.5 million.

Qualification money will also increase from $9 million to $10 million, while FIFA said additional team contributions would include subsidies ​for team delegation costs and increased team ticketing allocations totalling more than $16 ​million.

“FIFA is proud to be in its most solid financial position ever, enabling us to help ‌all ⁠our Member Associations in an unprecedented way,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.

“This is one more example of how FIFA’s resources are reinvested back into the game.”

The sheer scale of staging a tournament across North America, with long-haul travel, differing tax ​regimes and significant ​operational demands, had ⁠prompted unease among some participating nations.

UEFA had passed on concerns from several European associations that teams could find it difficult ​to break even unless they progress deep into the competition.

The ​2026 World ⁠Cup will be the first edition of the men’s tournament to feature 48 teams, up from 32, and will be staged across the United States, Canada and ⁠Mexico.

The increased ​distribution comes as FIFA prepares for the biggest ​and most commercially lucrative World Cup in history, with more teams, more matches and expanded revenue ​opportunities across ticketing, sponsorship and broadcast rights.

-Reuters

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The bill, called the ‘Putting Fans First Act’, says no person shall make a ticket available for sale on the secondary market or facilitate the sale of a ticket on the secondary ​market for an amount that exceeds the ticket’s face value.

FIFA operates ​the official resale and exchange marketplace for eligible ticket holders, which ⁠it says aims to protect fans and is subject to federal and local ​regulations, and has now acted after Ontario’s 2026 budget bill passed on Thursday.

Tickets are ​currently available on FIFA’s marketplace for all 15 other venues and for every match at the World Cup apart from the six games in Toronto, which include Canada’s opening fixture against ​Bosnia on June 12.

Face-value tickets are currently on sale as part of FIFA’s ​last-minute sales phase, and additional tickets will continue to be released to the public on ‌an ongoing ⁠basis until the World Cup final on July 19, subject to availability.

FIFA’s latest figures show more than five million tickets have already been sold, out of an expected total of just over six million for the tournament, but soccer’s world ​governing body has faced ​criticism over pricing, ⁠not helped by its use of the variable pricing method and the resale market.

Ticket holders can resell on FIFA’s marketplace ​at any price, with one seller asking for almost $11.5 million ​for a ⁠Category 3 ticket for the final.

FIFA has defended its secondary market model, saying it is a not-for-profit organisation and revenue generated is reinvested into the global development of ⁠football.

Tickets ​for the games in Toronto are expected to ​be relisted on FIFA’s marketplace in line with Ontario’s new legislation.

The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., ​Canada and Mexico, starts on June 11.

-Reuters

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The proposal, which will be discussed at a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday, would see players’ yellow cards cleared twice during the tournament — after the group stage and again following the quarter-finals.

Under the current system, players who accumulate two yellow cards at any point up to and including the quarter-finals are suspended for the next match.

However, with the new 48-team format set to debut across the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA believes the existing rule could unfairly sideline players during crucial knockout fixtures.

The expanded competition introduces an additional round, increasing the number of matches players must navigate before reaching the latter stages. As a result, the governing body is seeking to reduce the likelihood of key players missing high-stakes games such as semi-finals due to accumulated bookings.

If approved, the change would mark a notable shift in tournament regulations, aimed at preserving competitive balance while adapting to the demands of the larger World Cup format

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The biggest World Cup in history will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

One of the clearest concerns is cost.

The sheer scale of staging a tournament across North America, with long-haul travel, ​differing tax regimes and significant operational demands, has prompted unease among some participating nations.

UEFA has passed on concerns from several ​European associations that teams could find it difficult to break even unless they progress deep into the ⁠competition.

FIFA, for its part, is expected to point to the unprecedented commercial strength of the tournament.

The governing body has indicated it is ​prepared to raise prize money and participation payments beyond already record levels, presenting the expanded World Cup as a vehicle for wider ​redistribution rather than simply a bigger payday for the strongest teams.

Its argument is that more nations, more matches and greater revenues will ultimately mean more money flowing into development programmes and solidarity funding across the global game.

Iran’s participation is the most politically sensitive item on FIFA’s agenda.

Iran have qualified for the World ​Cup, but security and travel concerns around their matches in the United States have prompted officials in Tehran to seek guarantees and ​request alternative venues.

FIFA has rejected any change to the schedule, saying teams are expected to play as planned.

Visa access and travel restrictions are also expected ‌to be ⁠closely watched.

Officials from the Palestinian Football Association were recently denied entry to Canada for a pre-congress meeting, underlining the practical obstacles that can arise when sport, border policy and international politics collide.

However, Palestinian association vice president Susan Shalabi and president Jibril Rajoub have both now been granted visas and are expected to attend the congress, FIFA told Reuters on Monday.

Shalabi has already arrived in Vancouver while Rajoub is ​expected on Tuesday.

FIFA says it is ​working with host governments to ⁠help facilitate access for delegations, although the final list of attending associations will not be confirmed until the congress begins.

The wider logistics of the 2026 World Cup remain a defining theme. A tournament spread ​across three countries, multiple time zones and vast distances will test teams, supporters, broadcasters and organisers ​in ways no ⁠previous World Cup has.

Some federations have raised concerns privately, but FIFA argues that a multi-host model is essential for a 48-team event and reflects the future scale and ambition of the competition.

For Vancouver, then, the task is not only to celebrate the approach of a landmark World Cup ⁠but to ​smooth the final edges before the June 11 kickoff.

FIFA expects the 2026 tournament ​to be the largest and most lucrative in its history, with projected revenues of around $13 billion for the current cycle. The challenge now is to ensure that its ​expanded vision of the World Cup feels not only bigger, but workable, fair and genuinely global.

-Reuters

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