FIFA invites Iran to headquarters for World Cup talks
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A replica of the World Cup trophy being displayed in a shop in Iran, whose football federation has been invited by FIFA to its headquarters for talks on the country's participation in the tournament.
PHOTO: REUTERS
PARIS – Football’s world governing body FIFA has invited the Iranian football federation to its headquarters for talks on the country’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, a source told AFP on May 5.
Mehdi Taj, the head of the federation, said Iran’s presence at the tournament was contingent on guarantees from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“We firmly believe that the Iranian team must participate in the World Cup,” Taj told a state television journalist at a pro-government gathering in Tehran.
“However, our participation is contingent upon obtaining a concrete guarantee during our meeting with Mr Infantino. They (the Americans) have no right to insult our armed forces, and in particular the Revolutionary Guards. They must not insult our leaders.
“If Mr Infantino provides us with this guarantee, then we will go to the World Cup,” he said, adding that “in the event of insults, the team could return home”.
Iran’s presence at the tournament – set to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 – has been shrouded in uncertainty since the eruption of war in the Middle East in February after strikes by the US and Israel.
The source said FIFA had asked the Iranian federation to visit its Zurich base “by May 20 to prepare for the World Cup”.
Last week, Infantino reiterated that Iran would play their games in the US as scheduled.
“Let me start by the outset, confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said as he addressed delegates at the FIFA congress in Vancouver.
“And of course, Iran will play (in) the United States of America.”
Iran’s delegation was the only absentee from the 211-member congress after a clash with Canadian border officials.
Iranian media said Taj – a former member of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – and two colleagues flew home after being “insulted” by Canadian immigration officers.
Canada, which designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2024, said individuals linked to the force were “inadmissible”.
On his return home, Taj told the local media he wanted a meeting with FIFA to discuss a variety of subjects.
Iran – who are due to be based in Tucson, Arizona, during the World Cup – face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G.
The Iranians are set to open their campaign against the New Zealanders in Los Angeles on June 15. AFP
