Iran’s football federation president, Mehdi Taj, has stated that FIFA—not the United States—is the true organiser of the 2026 World Cup, as political tensions continue around Iran’s participation.
According to BBC Sport, Taj made the comment while addressing concerns over travel restrictions, diplomatic issues, and how Iranian officials may be treated during the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Our host is FIFA, not Mr Trump or America,” Taj said, emphasizing that Iran earned its place in the competition and expects to take part under FIFA’s authority.
The remarks follow reports that Iranian football officials were prevented from attending a FIFA Congress in Canada, with authorities linking the decision to alleged connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is banned by some countries.
Taj, who has acknowledged past ties to the IRGC, said Iran wants assurances that its delegation and national symbols will not be disrespected during the tournament.
“If they guarantee not to insult our military institutions and the IRGC, we’ll go,” he said.
FIFA has reportedly expressed regret over the visa issue and has invited Iranian officials for discussions in Zurich as preparations for the tournament continue.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also maintained that Iran will participate as scheduled, despite the ongoing political disputes.
The situation reflects broader tensions between Iran and the United States, with Washington insisting that individuals linked to the IRGC will not be granted entry.
Iran, however, maintains that football should remain separate from politics and insists its qualification should guarantee participation.
“We are going to the World Cup because we qualified,” Taj has said, adding that Iran may boycott the United States politically but not the tournament itself.
The disagreement highlights the growing overlap between global sports and international politics ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
