Iran emphasizes that FIFA, rather than the United States, is the rightful host of the 2026 World Cup.

Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), has declared that FIFA, not the United States, is the true host of the 2026 World Cup. 

This rhetorical stance aims to emphasize FIFA's administrative authority over the tournament amid severe political and logistical friction with the U.S. government.

The remarks follow several recent incidents that have jeopardized Iran's participation:

Visa Denials: Iranian officials were recently denied entry to Canada for a FIFA Congress, and several federation members were initially denied U.S. visas for the tournament draw.

Taj is demanding formal guarantees from FIFA that the Iranian delegation and state symbols, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), will be treated with respect and not "insulted" while on U.S. soil.

Iran previously asked FIFA to move its group-stage matches from the U.S. to Mexico due to security concerns; however, FIFA rejected this request.

Meanwhile, Iran remains a qualified participant for the 2026 tournament, which is officially co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that Iran will "for sure" play in the U.S. as scheduled.