Iran's Football Federation has demanded formal guarantees from FIFA to ensure the safety and dignity of its national team delegation during the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, according to reports from shafaq.com.
Mehdi Taj, president of the federation, stated that FIFA must guarantee the Iranian delegation will not face mistreatment or indignity on American soil, citing ongoing political tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Last week, an Iranian football delegation, including Taj, was denied entry at the Canadian border while attempting to attend FIFA's General Assembly meeting in Vancouver. Members of the delegation described their treatment by immigration officials as inappropriate.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously confirmed that Iran will participate normally in the World Cup, including matches held within the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has also stated he has no objection to Iran's participation. The 2026 edition will be the largest in World Cup history, featuring 48 national teams for the first time, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Taj emphasized that their host is FIFA, not President Trump or America, and called for respect toward the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) if the national team is to travel to the United States for the tournament.
Uncertainty remains over Iran's participation due to the ongoing war with the U.S. and Israel. Iran is scheduled to play two games in Los Angeles—against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21—and then face Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last week that no individual with ties to the IRGC would be admitted to the country. Taj responded by asserting that if the U.S. accepts hosting Iran, it must also accept not insulting their military institutions. He warned that without such guarantees, a situation similar to the Canadian border incident could arise, potentially forcing the delegation to return.
