Iran’s football federation has said the men’s national team will “definitely” participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it is demanding assurances from tournament hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico over visas, security and respect for Iranian national symbols.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, FFIRI, said Saturday that Iran would take part in the tournament “without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions.” The statement followed weeks of uncertainty caused by the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and a diplomatic dispute after Canada denied entry to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress.
Taj told Iranian state television that Tehran had set out 10 conditions for participation. These include guaranteed visas for players and technical staff, respect for Iran’s flag and national anthem, and high-level security at airports, hotels and routes to stadiums. He said players and staff who completed compulsory military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should not face visa problems.
Canada refused Taj entry last month, with officials citing his links to the IRGC, which Canada designated as a terrorist entity in 2024. The United States has also listed the IRGC as a terrorist organisation since 2019. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iranian footballers would be welcome at the tournament, but warned that delegation members with IRGC ties could still face entry restrictions.
FIFA has said Iran remains qualified for the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iran is drawn in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. FIFA’s official list of qualified teams includes Iran among the Asian Football Confederation representatives.
Iran is scheduled to begin its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Earlier reports said Iranian officials had discussed with FIFA the possibility of moving Iran’s U.S.-based matches to Mexico because of safety concerns, but FIFA has maintained regular contact with all participating associations over tournament planning.
The dispute places FIFA and the host governments in a delicate position. Iran says no country should be able to deny it participation after qualification on sporting merit. The hosts, however, must balance tournament access with national security laws, sanctions and visa rules.
For now, Iran’s position is clear: the team intends to play, but Tehran wants formal guarantees that its players, staff, anthem and flag will be treated without restriction or insult during the World Cup.
