Iran has confirmed that it will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 but has placed several conditions before tournament hosts United States, Canada and Mexico amid rising geopolitical tensions surrounding the event.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj stated that the national team has fully earned its place at the World Cup through qualification and expects FIFA along with the host nations to ensure proper treatment of players, officials and supporters during the tournament.
According to Iranian media reports, Tehran has outlined 10 key demands before participating in the global showpiece. These conditions include guaranteed visas for all players and staff, smooth airport clearances, strong security arrangements at hotels and stadiums, and respect for Iran’s national flag and anthem throughout the competition.
Iranian officials also reportedly demanded assurances that no member of the squad would face political questioning or restrictions while travelling in the United States, where all three of Iran’s group-stage matches are currently scheduled to take place.
The issue has become politically sensitive because of worsening tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel in recent months. Earlier this year, Iran’s sports minister had even suggested the country could withdraw from the tournament due to security concerns following military conflict in the region.
However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently confirmed that Iran will participate in the 48-team tournament as planned, insisting that football should remain separate from political disputes.
Iran qualified comfortably for the 2026 World Cup after dominating the AFC qualification campaign and has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. The team is scheduled to begin its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Despite diplomatic tensions, Iranian officials have reiterated that they are not refusing to play in the United States but simply seeking guarantees of safety, dignity and fair treatment during the competition.
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