Story perspectives

FIFA Invites Iran to Zurich; US IRGC Guarantee Required

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mehdi Taj said the U.S. must guarantee the IRGC will not be insulted for Iran to travel to the World Cup.
After Canada cancelled Taj’s visa and turned back a delegation, FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafström invited the Iranian Football Federation to Zurich on May 20.
Iran’s squad will depart for Turkey, then fly to the United States for matches with New Zealand (June 15, Los Angeles), Belgium (June 21, Los Angeles) and Egypt (June 26, Seattle).

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Story summary

Mehdi Taj said the U.S. must guarantee the IRGC will not be insulted for Iran to travel to the World Cup.
After Canada cancelled Taj’s visa and turned back a delegation, FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafström invited the Iranian Football Federation to Zurich on May 20.
Iran’s squad will depart for Turkey, then fly to the United States for matches with New Zealand (June 15, Los Angeles), Belgium (June 21, Los Angeles) and Egypt (June 26, Seattle).