According to KhabarOnline, an Iranian News Agency, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, said arrangements for the national team’s upcoming friendly matches are progressing, while concerns remain over U.S. visa refusals for several team members ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mehdi Taj said negotiations with Portugal for a June friendly have advanced significantly. “We expect to sign a memorandum of understanding within the next two or three days. Portugal’s second friendly in June will likely be against us,” he said.
He added that for the March international window, Iran has contacted Qatar, where Spain and Egypt are scheduled to play each other. “Spain may play Qatar first and then possibly face us. We have not spoken with Argentina, but we are in discussions with Qatar, and we also entered talks with Scotland and Iceland. None of these are finalized yet,” Taj explained.
Visa Problems for Team Members
Taj confirmed that some national team staff and players were recently denied U.S. visas. “After consultations, the federation decided to send only three representatives to the World Cup draw. We must prepare backup options for the World Cup. If, for any reason, a player is told they cannot travel, we must have replacements ready,” he said.
He noted that issues could arise for individuals whose military service records are not recognized by U.S. authorities. Taj criticized FIFA’s handling of the situation: “We protested to FIFA. They could have stood more firmly against the United States. Saeed Elhayi, a member of the coaching staff, was denied a visa due to the location of his military service.”
Iran and Egypt Object to Match Labeling
Taj also referred to a controversy regarding the naming of the Iran–Egypt group-stage match at the World Cup. “Both we and Egypt objected. It was an unreasonable move that seemed to support a particular group. We will definitely address this matter,” he said.
The dispute follows a broader controversy in the United States after the Seattle Local Organizing Committee labeled the Iran–Egypt match as a “Pride Game,” a designation tied to LGBTQ+ advocacy. The move, reported by ESPN and noted by The New York Times, sparked criticism due to the cultural sensitivities surrounding both Iran and Egypt, which oppose LGBTQ+ policies.
Seattle—known as a symbolic hub of LGBTQ+ activism—will host the match on June 27, 2026, at Lumen Field. Critics argue that the branding injects unnecessary political tension into what should remain a sporting event.
National Team Training Base in the U.S.
According to Taj, Iran has inspected a training camp located 56 kilometers from Los Angeles. “The team can reach the city in under an hour. It’s 12 minutes from the airport, which is ideal given that our third match is in Seattle. We hope no obstruction occurs and that this camp is officially assigned to us,” he stated.
World Cup Ticket Sales for Overseas Iranians
Taj said the average World Cup ticket price is around $500, and Iran must sell approximately 8,000 tickets per match. While Iranian residents will not be granted U.S. visas to attend the games, Iranians living abroad will be able to purchase tickets through the federation’s website.
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