Iran confirms participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has conditions

Iran will “definitely” participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s football federation said on Saturday, while urging tournament co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico to address Tehran’s concerns over visas, travel and the treatment of Iranian players and officials, as per reports.

“All players and technical staff, especially those who served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without problems,” Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran president Mehdi Taj was reportedly quoted as saying by Iranian media.

The statement comes amid strained relations between Iran and the United States following a fragile ceasefire after a conflict sparked by US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Iranian citizens are also subject to travel restrictions imposed during the administration of US President Donald Trump.

As per local reports, Taj said Tehran had presented conditions linked to its participation in the tournament, including guarantees regarding visas, security and the treatment of Iranian players and officials.

He said Iran would participate in the World Cup “without retreating from our beliefs, culture and convictions”.

The remarks follow reports that Canadian authorities last month denied Taj entry ahead of a FIFA Congress over his alleged past links with the Revolutionary Guard, which has been designated a terrorist organisation by both the United States and Canada.

Taj has repeatedly said Iran would seek assurances from FIFA that Iranian officials, the national flag and anthem would be treated with respect during the tournament.

Concerns over visa approvals for individuals who completed compulsory military service in the Revolutionary Guard have also raised questions over the participation of some players, including Iran captain Mehdi Taremi, who completed his mandatory service with the force.

Iran has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt and will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood near Los Angeles.

Iran has qualified for four successive FIFA World Cups and seven overall, but has never progressed beyond the group stage. The team, currently ranked 21st in the world, lost only one match during the Asian qualifying campaign.