Iran wants team members who served in the Revolutionary Guard to get visas for the World Cup
The federation wants visa guarantees and security assurances for players and staff with IRGC ties, while FIFA says Iran will play as scheduled.
- On Saturday, the Football Federation Islamic Republic confirmed the country 'definitely' will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting tournament hosts—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—consider Tehran's concerns regarding visa and treatment guarantees.
- Canadian authorities denied entry to Football Federation Islamic Republic president Mehdi Taj last month ahead of a FIFA Congress, citing his past ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the United States and Canada designate as a terrorist organization.
- Concerns center on players who completed mandatory military service in the Revolutionary Guard, potentially affecting key player Mehdi Taremi, who served in the corps.
- In a statement carried by IRNA on Friday, Taj outlined conditions tied to participation including visa and security guarantees, asserting the team will participate 'without retreating from our beliefs, culture and convictions.'
- Iran opens the tournament against New Zealand in Inglewood, following their qualification for four consecutive World Cups as part of Group G alongside Belgium and Egypt.
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101 Articles
Iran issues 10 demands to FIFA as World Cup fate hangs in the balance
Iran has declared its intention to compete at this summer's World Cup, though participation hinges on FIFA and the United States meeting a list of conditions submitted by the country's football federation
In less than fifty days, the World Cup begins in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. On June 11, Mexico and South Africa play the first match. We will keep you updated on all the latest news via this live blog!
Iran Declares Participation in CONCACAF World Cup, Presents Only 10 Safety Conditions; The Biggest Point of Contention is Guaranteeing Entry for the Designated Revolutionary Guard. Sports Chosun Reporter Kim Seong-won. Amidst ongoing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, Iran has officially confirmed its participation in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup. However, regarding the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the host nat…
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Young-ho = As the Iranian Football Association announced that it will definitely participate in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, service history in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)...
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