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. Read More: Players Risk Red Cards for Covering Mouths at FIFA World Cup 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.” Read More: From $15 to $150: Train Fare Spike Hits FIFA World Cup Fans 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.” Read More: FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play World Cup Matches in US Despite War Tensions 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.
FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play World Cup Matches in US Despite War Tensions
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will play its FIFA World Cup matches in the United States as originally scheduled, despite rising geopolitical tensions and security concerns. Speaking during a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Türkiye, Infantino stated, “The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” He added, “Iran will be at the World Cup… we’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team.” Tensions rise amid regional conflict The decision comes amid ongoing tensions linked to the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Concerns over player safety had prompted discussions about relocating Iran’s matches. Earlier, Iran’s football federation revealed it was “negotiating” with FIFA to move its matches away from the US to Mexico due to security fears. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also indicated that Mexico would be willing to host Iran’s group-stage matches if necessary. Trump’s remarks add controversy The situation became more complex after US President Donald Trump made controversial remarks suggesting that Iran’s team should not travel to the tournament “for their own life and safety.” Iran strongly rejected the suggestion, responding that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.” Earlier, Infantino had indicated that Trump had assured FIFA that Iran would still be allowed to participate in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Match schedule and tournament details The FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11, with Iran scheduled to play its first Group G match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Iran will also face Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle during the group stage. The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking one of the largest World Cups in history. Emotional backdrop amid conflict The Iranian team recently paid tribute to victims of the ongoing conflict during a friendly match in Türkiye. Players wore black armbands and posed with school bags to honor victims of an air strike on a primary school in the southern city of Minab, which reportedly killed at least 170 people, including students and teachers. According to reports, preliminary findings suggested that a US missile strike hit the school due to a targeting error. Broader implications for global sports The situation highlights how global politics continues to intersect with international sports events. The World Cup, often seen as a unifying platform, now faces challenges linked to geopolitical conflicts and security concerns. Despite these tensions, FIFA has maintained its position that all qualified teams will participate as scheduled, reinforcing the principle that sports should remain inclusive and independent of political disputes.
