Iran demand Fifa guarantees over World Cup visas ahead of US tournament
The Iranian national football team are still waiting to be issued visas for the upcoming World Cup in North America, prompting immediate demands for guarantees from Fifa amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on 11 June.
Thousands of supporters attended a large departure rally for the squad in Tehran on Wednesday despite the ongoing administrative uncertainty.
Diplomatic friction heavily shadows the build-up, as the US and the Middle Eastern nation remain engaged in a war, though they are currently observing a month-long ceasefire.
Fifa talks and visa disputes
Iranian FA (FFIRI) president Medhi Taj confirmed that the documentation issues remain completely unresolved with less than a month until kickoff.
“Tomorrow or the day after, we will have a decisive meeting with Fifa. They must give us guarantees,” Taj told state news agency IRNA.
The football executive stressed that authorities have received no definitive accounting regarding which traveling members have successfully secured entry.
“We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet.”
Political friction disrupts preparations
The persistent international conflict has cast widespread doubt over the Asian side’s participation across the Atlantic.
However, Fifa president Gianni Infantino explicitly assured member nations at last month’s annual congress in Vancouver that the squad would definitely compete in the United States.
Ironically, that very congress was the only one missing Iranian representation after FFIRI officials were denied entry at the Canadian border.
While Taj claimed his delegation voluntarily returned home following disrespectful treatment, Canada’s immigration minister stated the executive’s visa was actively cancelled mid-flight due to alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Upcoming fixtures and strict entry conditions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently clarified that athletes will be welcome at the tournament, but warned that individuals maintaining ties to the IRGC will likely face strict entry restrictions.
In response to these political hurdles, the Iranian federation has formally presented world football’s governing body with a list of 10 mandatory conditions for their continued participation.
This list notably insists upon the unhindered admission of all players, coaches and officials who have previously completed compulsory military service with the IRGC.
If the diplomatic standoff is resolved, the national team will establish their permanent base camp in Tucson, Arizona.
Their demanding group stage schedule features a clash against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by critical fixtures against Belgium and Egypt.