Iran seeks FIFA guarantees ahead of World Cup amid political tensions with hosts

country’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in North America, amid growing diplomatic and security-related tensions surrounding the tournament.

Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected within three to four days, where Tehran plans to raise concerns about how its national team and delegation will be treated during the competition in the United States.

Taj said Iran is seeking formal guarantees that its players, officials and supporters will be respected throughout the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The issue escalated after Canada recently denied entry to Taj, citing his alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a terrorist organisation by both Canada and the United States. The move has added political strain ahead of the global sporting event.

Visa concerns and political pressure intensify ahead of tournament

Speaking to Iranian state media, Taj warned that Iran could reconsider its participation if adequate assurances are not provided. He said the federation expects protection from political interference and equal treatment under FIFA regulations.

“We will present our expectations to FIFA. If they are met, we will definitely take part,” Taj said. “But if there is no guarantee, no one can expect us to accept disrespect toward our country or its institutions.”

He further cautioned that Iran’s participation could be reconsidered if players or officials are subjected to what he described as inappropriate questioning or discriminatory treatment during the tournament process.

The issue has been complicated by the political status of the IRGC, which is blacklisted by both the United States and Canada. These restrictions could affect the entry of individuals with past or current affiliations to the organisation, including some Iranian sports administrators.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei backed the football federation’s position, stressing that hosting duties carry legal obligations under FIFA rules.

“The national team is not simply visiting the United States; it is participating in a FIFA-organised event,” he said. “Therefore, FIFA must ensure all necessary arrangements, including visa issuance, are handled without political interference.”

Squad preparation continues amid uncertainty over participation

Despite the diplomatic tensions, Iran’s football preparations for the World Cup are continuing. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said a preliminary 30-player squad would be announced this week, before being trimmed to 26 following a training camp in Turkey.

The team is expected to arrive in the United States roughly two weeks before their opening match to allow for final preparations.

Ghalenoei also said the coaching staff would prefer to schedule two or three friendly matches ahead of the tournament, but arranging fixtures has proven difficult due to last-minute cancellations by potential opponents.

As a result, Iran will hold an additional training phase in Tehran before travelling to Turkey on May 16, where they previously played international friendlies against Costa Rica and Nigeria earlier this year.

Iran’s World Cup campaign is scheduled to begin on June 15 with a group-stage match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The team’s official base during the tournament will be the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, where final preparations and recovery sessions will take place.