RismadarVoice Reporters
May 7, 2026
The Iranian Football Federation has announced plans to meet with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the coming days to seek assurances over the treatment of the country’s delegation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, said the meeting would focus on guarantees that Iranian officials, players and institutions would be respected throughout the tournament.
Taj’s comments followed reports that Canada recently denied him entry over alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an organisation designated as a terrorist entity by both Canada and the United States.
Speaking to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, Taj warned that Iran could reconsider its participation in the World Cup if FIFA failed to provide adequate assurances.
“We will tell FIFA what our expectations are. If they can address them, we will definitely participate,” Taj said.
“But if there is no guarantee that they will be addressed, then no one has the right to insult us or the pillars of our system.”
Iran’s position also received backing from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who argued that host nations were obligated under FIFA regulations to facilitate the participation of all qualified teams without political interference.
The issue comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent military confrontations involving Iran, the United States and Israel, raising concerns over diplomatic relations ahead of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed that a provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup would be announced this week before being reduced to the final 26 players after a training camp in Turkey.
Ghalenoei said the team intends to arrive in the United States two weeks before the tournament begins and hopes to arrange warm-up matches despite difficulties securing international friendlies.
Iran, popularly known as Team Melli, is scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, while their training base will be located at the Kino Sports Complex.
