Iran sets conditions for 2026 World Cup participation
Iran’s football federation has confirmed that the country’s men’s national team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while demanding guarantees from tournament co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico amid ongoing regional tensions, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account,” the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) said in a statement published on its official website.
“We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions,” the statement added.
The issue has drawn increased attention following reports that Canada denied entry last month to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress over alleged links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Ottawa designated as a terrorist organization in 2024.
Speaking to Iranian state television, Taj said Tehran had outlined 10 conditions for participating in the tournament, which is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
According to Iranian officials, the demands include guarantees on visa issuance, respect for Iran’s national anthem and flag, and the treatment of players and staff during the competition.
Tehran also called for enhanced security measures at airports, hotels and transport routes to stadiums hosting Iranian matches.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Gianni Infantino reaffirmed Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, while the absence of Iranian officials from FIFA Congress highlighted ongoing political tensions surrounding the tournament.