Iran wants team members who are ex-Revolutionary Guard should get World Cup visas
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Iran’s soccer federation confirmed the country's definite participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while urging host nations to address concerns about travel and treatment of the team.
- Federation president Mehdi Taj emphasized that all players and staff, especially those who served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, must receive visas without issues, highlighting Iran's demands for security and respectful treatment.
- The statement follows recent tensions, including Canada denying Taj entry due to his ties with the Revolutionary Guard, reflecting broader geopolitical sensitivities amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S.
- Key player Mehdi Taremi, who completed mandatory military service in the Guard, exemplifies visa concerns that could impact the team, which is drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt.
- Iran, ranked 21st globally, has qualified for seven World Cups but never advanced past the group stage and lost only one match in Asian qualifying for the upcoming tournament.
