Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has reaffirmed that global football authorities not the United States will oversee Iran’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid rising political tensions.
Speaking ahead of the tournament co-hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico, Taj stressed that FIFA remains the sole authority managing the competition.
“Our host is FIFA, not America,” Taj said, insisting that Iran earned its place on the pitch and expects to compete without political interference.
His remarks follow a diplomatic row after Iranian officials were denied entry to Canada for a FIFA Congress over alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a terrorist organisation in several countries.
Taj, who has previously acknowledged ties to the IRGC, said Iran is seeking assurances that its delegation and state symbols will be respected during the World Cup.
FIFA has since expressed regret over the visa issue and invited Iranian officials for talks in Zurich, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran remains scheduled to participate.
The development underscores growing concerns over the intersection of politics and sport, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to cast uncertainty over aspects of Iran’s World Cup preparations.
