Iran's football federation has made it clear: they are "definitely" heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but not without some major conditions. On Saturday, federation president Mehdi Taj addressed the team's participation, stressing that the tournament hosts—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—must take Tehran's concerns seriously, especially regarding travel and treatment.
"All players and technical staff, especially those who served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without problems," Taj said, according to Iranian media. This demand comes at a time of heightened tension. Iran is currently in a fragile ceasefire with the U.S., following attacks on Feb. 28 that involved both the U.S. and Israel. Additionally, Iranian citizens are still subject to a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration.
Taj, speaking through the state-run IRNA news agency, laid out specific conditions for Iran's participation: guarantees on visas, security, and respectful treatment of players and officials. He emphasized that Iran would take part "without retreating from our beliefs, culture and convictions." This stance follows a recent incident where Canadian authorities denied Taj entry ahead of a FIFA Congress, reportedly due to his past ties to the Revolutionary Guard—an organization designated as a terrorist group by both the U.S. and Canada.
The visa issue could have a direct impact on the team's roster. One key player potentially affected is Mehdi Taremi, Iran's captain and star striker, who completed his mandatory military service in the Guard. In Iran, conscripts are often assigned to various branches—including the police or army—at random, but the Guard connection raises red flags for host nations.
Iran has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, with their World Cup opener against New Zealand. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how the hosts handle these diplomatic and logistical hurdles—and whether the team can focus on the pitch rather than politics.