Iran’s preparations for the World Cup are continuing, but participation remains uncertain after a dispute involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Football federation president Mehdi Taj said Iran will only travel if the United States guarantees respect for Iranian armed forces, and if FIFA can formally assure that the team faces no insults or restrictions.

Taj explained that Iran’s national team is due to be based in the United States, where it will play all three group-stage matches. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, remains on Iran’s schedule, but Taj said attendance will depend on political and security guarantees.

The Iranian Football Federation plans direct talks with FIFA over these concerns. Taj said a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected within three or four days. During that meeting, Taj intends to outline Iran’s specific demands regarding “respect” for national institutions while in the US and wants written assurances that similar problems will not arise.

Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB in Tehran, Taj said Iran’s position has been clearly set. “[The] Americans, if they guarantee not to insult our military institutions and the IRGC, we’ll go,” Taj told IRIB. Taj added that FIFA must secure this commitment from the US hosts so the team can safely participate.

FIFA World Cup: Iran’s Participation & Canada Airport Incident

Taj linked these demands to a recent confrontation in Canada that disrupted Iran’s pre-tournament schedule. “[If] they give such a guarantee that an incident like Canada doesn’t happen and they definitely assure it, we will go,” he said. The remarks referred to problems faced by an FFIRI delegation at Toronto’s Pearson airport last week.

The group, which included Taj, arrived in Toronto with valid visas for a FIFA gathering in Vancouver. However, the officials said they turned back after what they described as unacceptable treatment by Canadian immigration staff. The Iranian delegation flew to Turkiye on the earliest available flight instead of continuing to the FIFA meeting.

What Has Canada Said On Iran’s WC Participation?

The FFIRI released a statement accusing Canadian officials of disrespecting Iran’s armed forces during the airport episode. “They [delegation] returned to Turkiye on the first available flight due to the unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials at the airport and the insult to one of the most honourable organs of the Iranian nation’s armed forces,” the federation said after the delegation came back.

Canada listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation in 2024. Canadian officials said Taj was refused entry because of alleged links with the IRGC. The Canadian government later stated its policy in clear terms: “IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” according to an official statement.

Iran’s WC Participation Amid Volatile Geopolitical Situations

The football dispute unfolds as Iran is at war with the US and Israel. According to the report, the US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28. Iran’s Ministry of Health says at least 3,468 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks, and more than 26,500 have been injured, including at least 4,000 women and 1,621 children.

Iranian forces have responded by striking locations in several Middle East countries where US troops are stationed, along with targets in Israel. Against this backdrop, Taj said Iran will participate in the North American World Cup only if FIFA can guarantee respect for Iranian institutions in the US. “We will tell (FIFA) what our expectations are. If they can address them, we will definitely participate,” Taj told IRIB.