Speaking to Iranian media, Taj said Iran is seeking guarantees from FIFA after Iranian football officials were unable to attend the FIFA Congress in Canada last month despite holding valid visas.
Taj and federation Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeini reportedly faced entry issues upon arrival in Canada on April 29 while travelling for FIFA-related meetings.
FIFA later expressed regret over the incident and said a separate meeting with Iranian officials would be arranged.
“We have no issue with the United States. We are going to the World Cup because we qualified. Our host is FIFA, not any specific country,” Taj told state broadcaster IRIB last week.
He also said Iran plans to obtain visas for all team members in Ankara and is seeking exemption from fingerprinting procedures while requesting direct charter flights to the United States.
Related
Political backdrop surrounding tournament
The political atmosphere surrounding the tournament is also expected to draw attention amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, some Iranian spectators displayed protest banners and slogans inside and outside stadiums, while sections of fans booed the national anthem before Iran’s opening match against England following the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody.
Alikhah said similar scenes could emerge again in the United States due to the presence of opposition groups abroad, though he argued such atmospheres can sometimes motivate players rather than weaken them.
“We have seen many times in football that an entire stadium was against a team, but that atmosphere became extra motivation for the players,” he said.
“Sometimes psychological pressure and a heavy atmosphere create more energy, solidarity, and determination within a team,” he added.
Maryam Yektaei, goalkeeper of Iran’s women’s national football team, who previously played for Turkish clubs Besiktas and Beylerbeyi Spor, also said the current uncertainty and instability caused by the war have created a difficult environment for both athletes and Iranian society.
“But in the end, they are going there to play football and represent their country no matter what,” she said.
Yektaei noted that Iran had not received an easy draw in Group G, but said the team still has a realistic chance of advancing if it performs well.
She also said hosting the tournament in the United States would inevitably create additional sensitivities for the Iranian squad.
“It is highly possible they will face various forms of pressure there,” she said. “But I hope they can stay away from the psychological war, focus on the pitch and show their real performance.”
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran and contributing to instability across the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz.
While US officials have said Iranian athletes are not expected to face restrictions, questions remain regarding accompanying officials and delegation members.
Related
