Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said on Wednesday he will meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino within the next three to four days to seek assurances over Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Taj said Iran wants guarantees that its national team will be treated “with respect” during the tournament, amid rising political and diplomatic tensions surrounding travel and security arrangements.
The comments follow Canada’s decision last week to deny Taj entry, citing his alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which both Canada and the United States classify as a terrorist entity. The Iranian football chief has previously served in a senior capacity within the IRGC.
Taj has warned that Iran could withdraw from the World Cup if FIFA fails to ensure what he described as equal treatment and respect for the country’s institutions. He said participation would depend on whether FIFA could provide firm guarantees over conduct and conditions in the United States.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei backed Taj’s position, arguing that host nations are obligated under FIFA regulations to provide visas and necessary arrangements without political interference. He said FIFA must act to preserve its credibility by ensuring fair treatment for all qualified teams.
Iran is scheduled to play all group-stage matches in the United States, co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Team officials said preparations are continuing, with a 30-man provisional squad expected to be announced this week before final selection is reduced to 26 players after a training camp in Turkey. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team plans to arrive in the United States two weeks before the tournament begins and is seeking additional warm-up matches ahead of competition.
Iran is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, with its base located in Tucson, Arizona.
The dispute comes amid broader geopolitical tensions affecting Iran’s international sporting participation and travel arrangements.