Iranian FA boss Mehdi Taj warned players serving in the Revolutionary Guards could be refused US visas

December 14 – Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, speaking on state television, has issued a warning that some payers and staff may be denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup because they have served in the military.

Iran are drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and will play two group games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

“We have to prepare backup options for the World Cup. If, for whatever reason, a player is told he cannot travel, we have to prepare a replacement,” Taj said.

The problem Iran’s players face is that the country requires mandatory military service for all men when they reach the age of 19.

A number of Iranian national team players have served in the Elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US since 2019.

Taj attended last week’s World Cup draw in Washington DC but the Iranian assistant coach was denied a visa because he had served in the IRGC.

“We are protesting against FIFA, they should be more firm against the United States,” said Taj. “Saeed Elhayi, a member of the coaching staff, was denied a visa due to the location of his military service.”

Iranian players often fulfill their national service obligations by playing in Iran’s top professional league with military-linked clubs. However, hopefully other countries will be able to complete their full national service commitments.

The highest profile player to have served in the IRGC is national team captain and talisman Mehdi Taremi who plays for Olimpiacos in Greece. He has also played for Inter and Porto.

In a statement to Pro Soccer Wire, a US State Department spokesperson did not rule out the possibility that the Iranian players would be denied visas, similar to Elhayi’s rejection of the draw.

“The Trump administration is committed to doing everything we can to support the success of the World Cup. At the same time, the administration will not hesitate to uphold US law and the highest standards of national security and public safety in the implementation of our visa process,” the statement said.

“We adjudicate each visa application on a case-by-case basis after conducting a careful review and thorough examination to determine whether the individual qualifies under US law.”

Contact the author of this story at paul.nicholson@insideworldfootball.com