Iran to seek FIFA assurances after federation chief denied entry for World Cup draw

Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) president Mehdi Taj is set to meet FIFA president Gianni Infantino within the next three to four days to seek assurances over Iran’s participation at the World Cup in the United States.

The move follows Canada’s refusal to grant Taj entry last week. Canadian authorities cited his alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the United States and Canada classify as a terrorist entity.

Speaking to Iranian state media, Taj said Iran wants FIFA to guarantee that Iranian institutions will be respected while the team is in the United States, where Iran are scheduled to be based and play all three group matches. He added that Iran could withdraw from the tournament if those concerns are not addressed.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei backed Taj’s stance, saying FIFA regulations oblige host nations to provide the necessary arrangements and issue required visas without political considerations.

Squad planning and preparation

Taj said Iran plan to name a provisional 30-man squad this week, which will be reduced to a final 26 asourceser a training camp in Turkey.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team is expected to arrive in the United States 14 days before the tournament begins. He added that arranging warm-up matches has been difficult, with teams pulling out at short notice.

As a result, the squad is expected to remain in Tehran for an additional week before travelling to Turkey on May 16.

Iran are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Their U.S. base is set to be the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.