coochiee wrote:
Not so sure, it's a bit more complex than that. The Iranian regime basically use their mens football team for propoganda purposes.
There will be an element of their diaspora at the game, waving old Iranian flags from the Shah's regime, maybe even booing the team.
Big reason why Iran had those 10 conditions they requested to FIFA. Including no flags inside the stadiums they don't like.
Some of the Iranian team have served in the IRG.
Military service compulsory in Iran, but you can choose what military branch you serve in. It doesn't have to be the IRG.
Taremi their talisman Chris Wood equivalent seems to be a regime guy.
A couple of overseas based players not selected most likely because they have openly anti regime views.
It's going to be more than just another football match.
AI Overview
Yes, several Iranian men’s national football team players have served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to fulfill mandatory military service requirements, which has created significant issues regarding their ability to secure U.S. visas for international tournaments.
Key Details on IRGC Service:2026 World Cup Visa Issues:
- Mehdi Taremi: The national team captain and striker, who has played for European clubs like Porto and Inter Milan, is one of the highest-profile players reported to have served in the IRGC Navy.
- Ehsan Hajsafi: Another prominent member of the national team who has served in the IRGC. []
- Context of Service: While many Iranian footballers fulfill their mandatory service by playing for military-affiliated clubs (such as Tractor or Malavan), some complete their commitment directly within IRGC units.
- Iran's Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, stated in May 2026 that players who served in the IRGC—which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.—should be granted visas, even though the U.S. has noted that individuals with these ties might be barred.
- Iran's Football Federation has also complained to FIFA regarding the visa process, attempting to preempt any of their key players missing the 2026 World Cup, where Iran is scheduled to play its matches in the U.S.
True some have been in the IRGC. Its not a choice they have. I have a number of friends who were forced into the IRGC's civil defence unit as they were studying engineering at University in Tehran and Shiraz.
There's no escaping military service (IRGC) in Iran like there is for certain members of the Jewish community. That does not mean they support the regime. Far from it I would imagine.
Iranians will be behind their team as LA is the biggest Persian city outside of Iran itself (London next). They are no friends of the current regime so I do not expect to see any IR flags in the stadium.
There's no escaping military service (IRGC) in Iran like there is for certain members of the Jewish community. That does not mean they support the regime. Far from it I would imagine.
Iranians will be behind their team as LA is the biggest Persian city outside of Iran itself (London next). They are no friends of the current regime so I do not expect to see any IR flags in the stadium.