Iran Football Federation has stepped up its demands to FIFA, calling for firm assurances over the safety and treatment of its delegation at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As preparations for the expanded tournament gather pace, tensions off the pitch have begun to surface.
Federation president Mehdi Taj voiced concerns tied to ongoing political friction, particularly regarding matches scheduled to take place in the United States.
“FIFA must ensure the Iranian delegation faces no mistreatment or indignity on US soil,” Taj said.
The request follows a recent flashpoint, where an Iranian delegation, including Taj, was denied entry into Vancouver for FIFA’s General Assembly.
Members of the group described their experience with border officials as “inappropriate,” further intensifying calls for intervention.
Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino has maintained that Iran will compete without restriction, including fixtures hosted in the United States.
In parallel, Donald Trump has publicly stated he holds no objection to Iran’s participation.
With the 2026 edition set to be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the spotlight is already shifting beyond football.
As the tournament approaches, FIFA now faces increasing pressure to ensure unity, fairness, and security remain at the heart of the global game.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
