Tehran, May 06 (V7N) — The head of Iran Football Federation has warned that Iran may not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid growing political tensions.

According to a report by Dawn News, Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said participation in the tournament will depend on guarantees from FIFA that the United States will not disrespect Iran’s military institutions, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Taj’s remarks come after a series of diplomatic and travel-related disputes involving Iranian football officials. On May 2, he reportedly chose to return from Canada after what he described as a “reluctant permission” to enter the country, calling the situation humiliating despite formal clearance from authorities.

Following the incident, Taj and his delegation traveled back to Istanbul instead of continuing their visit.

Earlier tensions were also reported on December 5 last year, when Taj and his colleagues were denied visas by the United States ahead of a scheduled World Cup-related event in Washington.

The developments have raised concerns within the international football community, as geopolitical tensions increasingly intersect with global sporting events.

END/SMA/AJ