Iran Demands Unrestricted Visas for 2026 World Cup Delegation, Citing Previous Travel Restrictions

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Iranian Football Federation has outlined 10 conditions for its participation, with a primary focus on visa requirements for its delegation. The demands, disclosed by federation president Mehdi Taj, highlight concerns over travel restrictions and the inclusion of officials with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and Canada.

Iranian Football Federation’s 10 Conditions for 2026 World Cup Participation

In a video statement shared by Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, emphasized that the country’s participation in the 2026 World Cup hinges on the FIFA’s acceptance of its conditions. Among these, the most contentious is the requirement for unrestricted visas for all members of Iran’s delegation, including individuals who have served in the IRGC.

“We have given FIFA ten conditions for our team to participate, and they must accept these ten conditions,” Taj stated. “For visas, they must issue them to everyone, including those who served in the IRGC.”

The demand underscores long-standing tensions between Iran and Western nations over the travel of officials linked to the IRGC. Taj’s own visa was previously denied by Canadian authorities in April 2026, reportedly due to his association with the IRGC. This incident occurred ahead of a FIFA Congress, where he was set to address delegates.

Previous Visa Issues for Iranian Officials

The visa controversy is not new. In 2026, Mehdi Taj’s attempt to enter Canada was blocked, with officials citing his past ties to the IRGC. The organization, which the U.S. and Canada have designated as a terrorist entity, has been a focal point of geopolitical friction. Taj’s exclusion from Canada was described by Iranian media as a “political move,” though no official explanation was provided by Canadian authorities.

This episode is part of a broader pattern of travel restrictions affecting Iranian officials. In 2022, Mehdi Taremi, Iran’s star forward, faced scrutiny over his military service in the IRGC from 2010 to 2012. While Taremi has since been a key player for the national