- Iran's football federation has confirmed its definite participation in the 2026 Fifa World Cup but is demanding assurances from host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico regarding the team's travel and treatment.
- Federation president Mehdi Taj stated that all players and technical staff, especially those who completed military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, must be granted visas without problems.
- The demands, presented as conditions for participation, include guarantees over visas, security, and respectful treatment of Iranian players, officials, the national flag, and anthem, with Iran insisting it will take part without retreating from our beliefs, culture and convictions.
- These concerns arise after Canadian authorities reportedly denied entry to Taj for a Fifa Congress last month due to his past ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the US and Canada.
- The issue of issuing visas to individuals with mandatory military service in the Guard could potentially affect key players, such as team captain and striker Mehdi Taremi.
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