Qualifying hero faces potential ban: Taremi at risk of missing World Cup for an intriguing reason
Iran risks losing its key player for the 2026 World Cup. Striker Mehdi Taremi, whose decisive performances were crucial in the team's successful qualification campaign, may be denied a visa to enter the United States due to his mandatory military service in Iran.
According to The Mirror, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has publicly acknowledged that some national team players could be refused visas. The reason is where they completed their military service. As a result, the federation has already started considering possible replacements for players who may not be able to travel to the US.
All men in Iran are required to serve in the military after turning 19, but the striker's situation is different from most of his national teammates. From 2010 to 2012, he served in the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the city of Bushehr.
Taremi himself previously noted that his service was uneventful and close to home. Nevertheless, this very fact could prove decisive. The US State Department has imposed strict restrictions on individuals linked to organizations designated as foreign terrorist groups, and the IRGC is included on that list.
It's worth recalling that the 33-year-old forward was one of the standouts of the qualification campaign, scoring 10 goals in 15 matches. Following the draw, Iran was placed in Group G, where they will face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
