Iran sets conditions for 2026 World Cup participation

• Iran confirms participation in the 2026 World Cup despite regional tensions.
• Tehran demands guarantees from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico over visas and security.

Iran’s football federation has confirmed that the men’s national team will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but says the tournament’s joint hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico, must meet a series of conditions amid heightened regional tensions.

The announcement came Saturday as uncertainty continued over Iran’s participation following the U.S.-'Israeli' war against Iran that began in February.

“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account,” Iran’s football federation said in a statement published on its official website.

Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj told state television that Tehran has submitted 10 conditions for attending the tournament.

The demands include guarantees that all players and staff will receive visas without restriction, along with assurances that Iran’s national flag and anthem will be respected throughout the competition.

Tehran has also requested enhanced security measures at airports, hotels, training facilities, and on routes to stadiums.

The issue gained prominence last month after Canada denied entry to the federation’s chief ahead of the FIFA Congress, citing alleged ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The IRGC was designated a terrorist organization by Canada in 2024, while the United States has long maintained a similar classification.

Iranian officials have strongly objected to any restrictions linked to mandatory military service.

“All players and technical staff, especially those who have served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without any problems,” Taj said.

Among those referenced were Iranian internationals Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.

FIFA maintains schedule
Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran will play its scheduled World Cup matches in the United States.

The team is set to base itself in Tucson during the tournament and will compete in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

Iran opens its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

Federation rejects political pressure
In its statement, the federation insisted no political pressure would prevent the team from participating.

“No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup to which it has qualified with merit,” it said.

The dispute adds a political dimension to what is already expected to be one of the most closely watched World Cups in recent history.