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Iran will send its football team to the 2026 World Cup, but only if the United States, Mexico, and Canada guarantee respect for the country’s flag, anthem, and delegation, the Iranian football federation said on Saturday.
“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account,” the federation said on its official website.
“We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”
FFIRI president Mehdi Taj laid out 10 conditions for Tehran’s participation during an interview with state TV on Friday.
Among the demands: smooth visa processing for all team members, heightened security at airports and hotels, and clear assurances that Iranian symbols would not be disrespected.
Taj specifically called for visas to be granted to players who have served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including stars like Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.
“All players and technical staff, especially those who have served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC, such as Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi, should be granted visas without any problems,” Taj said.
The federation’s tough stance follows a diplomatic incident last month when Canada barred its chief from entering the country ahead of the FIFA Congress, citing his ties to the IRGC. Ottawa designated the IRGC as a terrorist group in 2024.
Washington has taken a similar position. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said players will be welcome, but warned that delegation members linked to the IRGC could still be denied entry.
Despite the political friction, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran will play its matches on US soil as planned.
Iran is based in Tucson, Arizona, for the tournament and faces New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G. The team begins its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
“No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup to which it has qualified with merit,” the Iranian federation said.
