Iran sent a stern warning to FIFA, as there is still no clarity on whether they will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to start in a month's time amid the war between Iran and the United States of America over the last few months. The latter are co-hosts of the event (alongside Mexico and Canada), but their players are yet to be handed visas.
Iran has warned the governing body of the sport over the issue and claimed that if their players are not given visas and allowed to play the tournament, it will violate the principles of international sport.
"Iran warned FIFA that blocking its national team from the World Cup over political disputes would violate the core principles of international sports and infringe on Iran’s right to participate," said a post by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (state broadcasters) on X.
Meanwhile, a departure rally was held for the team in Tehran on Wednesday (May 13), where thousands of fans were in attendance.
Iranian Football Association (FA) President Mehidy Taj confirmed that VISA issues are yet to resolved.
"Visa issue has still not been resolved. Tomorrow or the day after, we will have a decisive meeting with Fifa. They must give us guarantees. We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet," Tej told local media.
Earlier this month, USA President Donald Trump claimed Iran will be allowed to play after being asked about FIFA President Gianni Infantino's comments, claiming there will be no restrictions on Iran playing the tournament.
If Gianni said it, I’m OK. If Gianni said it, I’m OK. You know what? Let them play," said Trump in a media briefing at the Oval Office.
In March, President Trump had claimed that Iran should skip the tournament for safety reasons.
Iran is set to play all their matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA. They are placed in Group G and will play New Zealand (15th June) and Belgium (21st June) in Los Angeles before playing Egypt (26th June) in Seattle.
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