Iran national football team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the country’s football federation says the tournament’s co-hosts — the United States, Canada and Mexico must meet several conditions amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran confirmed the country’s participation on Saturday, while insisting that assurances be provided regarding visas, security, and respect for Iran’s national symbols during the tournament.
The federation’s position follows recent diplomatic tensions after Canadian authorities reportedly denied entry to FFIRI president Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress over alleged ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran’s participation in the tournament had been uncertain following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East earlier this year after military strikes involving the United States and Israel.
“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account,” the federation said in a statement published on its official website.
According to Taj, Iran has outlined 10 conditions for attending the tournament, including guarantees that players, officials, the national flag, and anthem will be treated respectfully throughout the competition.
The federation also requested enhanced security arrangements at airports, hotels, and match venues.
Iran further demanded unrestricted visa access for all players and staff, including those who completed mandatory military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, among them Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier stated that Iranian players would be welcome at the tournament, though he warned that officials with IRGC affiliations could still face travel restrictions.
Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino has maintained that Iran’s World Cup matches in the United States will proceed as scheduled.
Iran, who will camp in Tucson, Arizona, have been drawn in Group G alongside New Zealand national football team, Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team.
The Asian side will begin its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
