No Insult to IRGC: Iran Sets Condition for World Cup Travel

Iran’s football chief Mehdi Taj has asked FIFA to ensure that no one insults the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

His demand follows a recent diplomatic incident involving the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran delegation. Taj and his team turned back from the Canadian border last week while trying to attend the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

Iranian officials said immigration authorities treated them disrespectfully. However, Canada later confirmed that officials cancelled Taj’s visa during his flight. Authorities cited his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Canada listed as a terrorist entity in 2024. The United States had taken a similar step earlier.

Iran seeks firm assurances

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed regret over the incident. He invited Iranian officials to Zurich on May 20 to discuss World Cup preparations.

Still, Taj made it clear that Iran needs guarantees before traveling to the United States. “We need a guarantee there, for our trip, that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” he said on state broadcaster IRIB.

He stressed that FIFA must take responsibility. “This is something they must pay serious attention to. If there is such a guarantee and the responsibility is clearly assumed, then an incident like what happened in Canada will not happen again.”

The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran will play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

Political tensions cloud preparations

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has no issue with Iranian players joining the tournament. However, he added that authorities will deny entry to individuals linked to the IRGC.

Taj warned that any lack of clarity could create problems again. “We are going to the World Cup, for which we qualified, and our host is FIFA not Mr Trump or America,” he said.

He added that respect is essential for participation. “If they accept hosting us, then they must also accept that they must not insult our military institutions in any way.”

He pointed to the risk of another standoff. “Because if they do, then naturally it could create the same kind of situation that happened in Canada, where there was a possibility we might have to return.”

“So there must be this kind of guarantee so that we can go with peace of mind.”

Tensions around Iran’s participation have increased since US and Israeli strikes earlier this year. Domestic football competitions remain suspended, forcing players to train in Tehran camps.

Despite this, preparations continue. Taj said Iran hopes to arrange a friendly match with a strong team in Turkiye. The team recently played Nigeria and Costa Rica there in March.

The situation highlights how political tensions could affect a major global sporting event.