Tehran, Iran – Relations between the Iranian Football Federation and FIFA have reached a deadlock. This follows fiery remarks by the federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, who hinted at a possible “different decision” regarding participation in the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He emphasized that Iran would not participate unless it received firm guarantees of “respect.”
A meeting is expected with Infantino
Mehdi Taj, in official statements to Iranian state radio and television in Tehran, revealed arrangements for a crucial meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the coming days.
According to Taj, the meeting aims to establish clear conditions and guarantees that Iran and its official institutions will be fully respected during the national team’s stay in the United States. Team Melli is scheduled to play all three of its group stage matches there.
Background to the crisis: Canada and the Revolutionary Guard
These developments come a week after Canada, a co-host of the World Cup, announced it had refused to grant Mehdi Taj a visa. Canada justified its decision by citing alleged ties to the Revolutionary Guard.
This Canadian stance cast a shadow over the Iranian delegation, prompting Taj to emphasize that his country would not accept any “humiliating approach” targeting the pillars of the state or the regime during the global tournament.
Conditional expectations of survival
Taj warned, “We will inform FIFA of our expectations; if they can meet them, we will certainly participate. However, if the disrespect continues, or if our coaches and players are subjected to politically motivated questions intended to insult us, then no one has the right to do so.”
The federation president emphasized that the dignity of Iranian institutions takes precedence over sporting participation. He also indicated that the lack of guarantees might lead the sports leadership in Tehran to reconsider their presence in American stadiums.
This escalation puts FIFA in a difficult position, as the international federation always strives to separate politics from sports. The Iranian side views the recent actions, from the denial of Canadian visas to the anticipated media pressure in the United States, as a direct political targeting. Therefore, international intervention is required to ensure the safety and respect of the Iranian delegation.
