Iran Representatives Absent from FIFA Council Due to Visa Issues — AFC Secretary Optimistic for Congress

Iranian football federation delegates were absent from the April 29 FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver after being unable to obtain the necessary visas to enter Canada in time for the session — a situation that directly mirrors the difficulties Iranian officials faced at the December 2025 draw in Washington D.C. AFC (Asian Football Confederation) General Secretary Windsor John told reporters that he was 'optimistic' Iran's delegation would arrive in time for the broader 76th FIFA Congress on May 1 and that FIFA had planned to present qualification awards to the Iran Football Federation 'once they arrive.' The absence further underlines the logistical obstacles facing Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup itself: if federation officials struggle to obtain Canadian and US visas for administrative events, the question of how 26+ players, coaching staff, medical personnel, and security delegates will obtain US visas and enter the country for Group G matches in Los Angeles (June 15, June 21) and Seattle (June 26) remains operationally unresolved. The FIFA Congress — scheduled for May 1, two days later — remains the formal decision point for Iran's participation status.