Iran’s football federation has confirmed that the country’s men’s national team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but says the tournament’s host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — must first meet a number of conditions amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The federation made the announcement on Saturday, insisting that Iran would not withdraw from the tournament despite political and security concerns surrounding the country’s participation.
The development comes after Canadian authorities reportedly denied entry to the head of Iran’s football federation ahead of the FIFA Congress due to alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated a terrorist organisation in 2024.
Uncertainty had surrounded Iran’s participation in the World Cup following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East earlier this year involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In a statement published on its official website, the Iranian Football Federation stated that the national team would compete in the tournament while maintaining its national identity, beliefs, and values.
The federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, revealed that Iran has presented 10 conditions for participation, including guarantees that players, coaching staff, national symbols, and the country’s anthem would be respected throughout the competition.
Iran also requested assurances over visa approvals for players and officials, including those who previously served in the IRGC, alongside tighter security arrangements at airports, hotels, and match venues during the tournament.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier stated that Iranian players would be welcomed into the United States for the competition but noted that individuals linked to the IRGC could still face entry restrictions.
Despite the controversy, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained that Iran’s matches in the United States will proceed as scheduled.
Iran is expected to be based in Tucson, Arizona, during the competition and will face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.
The team is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Iran’s football federation also stressed that no external force should prevent the country from competing in a tournament it qualified for on merit.
