Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj says FIFA must guarantee that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is not insulted by the United States if Iran’s national team is to travel for the 2026 World Cup.
Taj said the request is necessary to ensure the Iranian delegation can attend matches in the US “with peace of mind,” warning that without clear assurances, officials could face a repeat of recent travel disruptions.
His remarks come after an Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) delegation, including Taj, was prevented from continuing to Canada last week while travelling to attend the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Iranian officials described the treatment as disrespectful, while Canada’s immigration minister later told parliament that Taj’s visa had been cancelled mid-flight due to alleged links to the IRGC.
Canada designated the IRGC as a “terrorist entity” in 2024, following a similar designation by the United States in 2019.
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström later expressed regret over the “inconvenience and disappointment” experienced by the Iranian delegation and invited FFIRI officials to a meeting in Zurich on May 20 to discuss World Cup preparations.
Speaking to Iranian state media IRIB, Taj said he would seek formal guarantees from FIFA regarding the treatment of Iranian officials in the United States, one of the 2026 World Cup co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico.
“We need a guarantee that there will be no insults to the symbols of our system — especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” he said, adding that any lack of assurances could lead to Iran reconsidering its travel arrangements.
Taj also stressed that FIFA, rather than any individual government, should be seen as the tournament’s host.
US officials have previously stated that Iranian players are eligible to participate in the tournament, but individuals with IRGC ties would not be permitted entry into the country.
Iran is scheduled to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.