[61758] Crisis in the national football team ahead of the World Cup and a breakthrough for the national volleyball team in Brazil

Tensions in the Iranian national football team ahead of the World Cup

According to a report by Iran International, less than a month before the opening of the 2026 World Cup, Iran's national football team is facing significant uncertainty. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, is scheduled to meet in Istanbul with FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström to demand "accountability and guarantees" regarding the team's participation. The report notes that FIFA officials stated they are "working in close cooperation with relevant parties" to ensure the safety of all teams according to Iran International.

The main difficulties the team faces are a severe visa crisis and threats of entry refusal to the U.S. for players and staff members due to "past activity or connection with the Revolutionary Guards." Furthermore, on Iran International's "The Tri-Q" program, criticism was raised that the team is suffering from "political isolation" and a lack of proper preparation matches, a fact reflected in the contradictions in the statements of federation officials according to Iran International.

At the same time, a different momentum is evident in the national volleyball team. Akharin Khabar Varzeshi reports that after intensive negotiations with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), the Iranian national team was invited by Brazil to a special training and preparation camp. The camp, which will take place between June 10 and 17, will include two training matches against the local team, a move defined as an "invitation from the most decorated team in the world" according to Akharin Khabar Varzeshi.