FIFA has invited Iran’s football federation to its headquarters for talks as uncertainty persists over the country’s participation in this year’s World Cup, a source said Tuesday, reports AFP.
Mehdi Taj, head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), said Iran’s participation in the tournament depends on assurances from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“We firmly believe that the Iranian team must participate in the World Cup,” Taj said, adding that participation would require “concrete guarantees” following discussions with Infantino.
He also criticised the United States, saying it had “no right to insult” Iran’s armed forces, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or the country’s leadership. Taj warned that the team could withdraw mid-tournament if such incidents occur.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19. Iran’s participation has been uncertain since regional tensions escalated earlier this year following military strikes.
According to the source, FIFA has asked Iranian officials to visit its Zurich headquarters by May 20 to prepare for the tournament.
Infantino last week reaffirmed that Iran would compete as scheduled and play its matches in the United States. “Of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
Iran’s delegation was the only one absent from the 211-member congress after a dispute with Canadian border authorities. Iranian media reported that Taj and two colleagues returned home after being “insulted” by immigration officials.
Canada, which designated the IRGC a terrorist organisation in 2024, said individuals linked to the group are inadmissible.
Iran is set to be based in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament and will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G. The team will open its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
