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Iran wants team members who served in the Revolutionary Guard to get visas for the World Cup
The federation wants visa guarantees and security assurances for players and staff with IRGC ties, while FIFA says Iran will play as scheduled.
- On Saturday, the Football Federation Islamic Republic confirmed the country 'definitely' will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting tournament hosts—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—consider Tehran's concerns regarding visa and treatment guarantees.
- Canadian authorities denied entry to Football Federation Islamic Republic president Mehdi Taj last month ahead of a FIFA Congress, citing his past ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the United States and Canada designate as a terrorist organization.
- Concerns center on players who completed mandatory military service in the Revolutionary Guard, potentially affecting key player Mehdi Taremi, who served in the corps.
- In a statement carried by IRNA on Friday, Taj outlined conditions tied to participation including visa and security guarantees, asserting the team will participate 'without retreating from our beliefs, culture and convictions.'
- Iran opens the tournament against New Zealand in Inglewood, following their qualification for four consecutive World Cups as part of Group G alongside Belgium and Egypt.
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Iran issues 10 demands to FIFA as World Cup fate hangs in the balance
Iran has declared its intention to compete at this summer's World Cup, though participation hinges on FIFA and the United States meeting a list of conditions submitted by the country's football federation
·London, United Kingdom
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In less than fifty days, the World Cup begins in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. On June 11, Mexico and South Africa play the first match. We will keep you updated on all the latest news via this live blog!
·Amersfoort, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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Total News Sources108
Leaning Left26Leaning Right18Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Left
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
45% Left
L 45%
C 24%
R 31%
Factuality
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