The head of Iran’s Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, has said that FIFA must provide guarantees that Iran’s national delegation will not face “insult” regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, Taj said assurances were necessary before Iran travels to the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iran is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
His remarks come after an FFIRI delegation, including Taj, was turned back from the Canadian border last week while travelling to attend the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Iranian officials described the treatment by immigration authorities as disrespectful.
However, Canada’s immigration minister later confirmed to parliament that Taj’s visa had been revoked while he was en route due to alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist entity in 2024. The United States had made a similar designation earlier in 2019.
Following the incident, FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed regret over the “inconvenience and disappointment” faced by the Iranian delegation and invited FFIRI officials to a meeting in Zurich on May 20 to discuss World Cup preparations.
Taj, who previously held a senior position linked to the IRGC in Iran’s Isfahan province before entering football administration, said Iran expects FIFA to ensure that political tensions do not affect its participation.
“We need a guarantee that they will not insult the symbols of our system, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” Taj said, adding that any lack of assurances could lead Iran to reconsider participation at the border if issues arise.
He further stated that Iran’s presence at the World Cup should be under FIFA’s authority alone, not influenced by political leadership in host nations.
US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have said Iranian players will be allowed to participate in the tournament, but individuals with direct IRGC affiliations would not be permitted entry into the United States.
Iran’s participation comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, including recent military escalation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iranian domestic football preparations have continued in training camps, with the national team expected to play friendly matches in Turkey ahead of the tournament.