Tehran: Iran, who have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are currently scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches in the United States during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 and is jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
However, concerns over Iran’s participation intensified following the military escalation between the U.S., Israel, and Iran earlier this year. Questions surrounding travel permissions and diplomatic restrictions have further complicated the situation.
The issue gained further attention after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj was reportedly denied entry into Canada for the FIFA Congress held in Vancouver earlier this month due to alleged links with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
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Both the United States and Canada classify the IRGC as a terrorist organisation and have maintained strict entry restrictions on individuals associated with the group.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stressed this week that FIFA has a responsibility to ensure equal participation for all qualified nations.
In a social media statement, he said Iran had “earned its right to participate on the field in accordance with FIFA regulations,” warning that any restrictions on players, officials, or staff could undermine the credibility of the World Cup itself.
According to Reuters, FIFA is currently working closely with authorities in the host nations to ensure all qualified teams can participate safely and without disruption.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that he was “okay” with Iran participating in the tournament despite the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Iran had reportedly requested that its World Cup matches be moved to Mexico, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino is said to have insisted that all matches remain at their originally scheduled venues.
The Iranian national team is expected to leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey on Monday before heading to its World Cup base at the Kino Sports Complex in Arizona in early June.
Iran are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
