Iran, protests, human rights – all to know about the 76th FIFA Congress
Summary
FIFA’s 76th Congress is meeting in Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with around 1,600 delegates from over 200 member associations. Key topics include the Iran delegation’s withdrawal after issues at Canadian immigration, the tournament’s logistics, Russia’s participation ban, and human rights concerns raised by groups like Amnesty International.Key Facts
- The FIFA Congress gathers representatives from all 211 FIFA member associations to make decisions about world football.
- The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams, the largest ever in the tournament’s history.
- The Iranian football delegation left Canada after immigration officials treated them poorly, despite having valid visas.
- Canada has banned members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which affected Iran’s federation president’s entry.
- The Canadian government stated that IRGC officials are not allowed in Canada because the group is considered terrorist.
- Amnesty International urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to explain how human rights will be protected during the World Cup.
- Amnesty and other groups issued a travel advisory for fans attending the World Cup in the US, citing human rights concerns.
- Vancouver soccer fans protested to save the local Major League Soccer team, the Vancouver Whitecaps, from being moved to Las Vegas.
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