2026 World Cup: Iran tables 10 conditions to host countries

Femi Fabunmi

Iran has confirmed that its national football team will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the country wants the host nations  United States, Mexico, and Canada  to meet some conditions because of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The issue became more serious after Canada stopped Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj from entering the country last month due to alleged links with the IRGC, a military group that Canada considers a terrorist organisation.

There had been doubts about Iran’s participation in the tournament after war broke out in the Middle East earlier this year following military strikes involving the US and Israel.

Iran’s football federation said the country will surely play in the World Cup but will not give up its beliefs, culture, or national identity.

According to Mehdi Taj, Iran has listed 10 conditions before attending the tournament. These include:

Easy visa approval for players and officials

Respect for Iran’s flag and national anthem

Respectful treatment of team staff

Strong security at airports, hotels, and stadium routes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iranian players would be allowed into the US. However, he warned that officials linked to the IRGC could still face visa restrictions.

Iran also requested visas for players and staff who previously completed military service with the IRGC, including Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.

Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran’s World Cup matches in the United States will go ahead as planned.

Iran, expected to camp in Tucson, Arizona, are in Group G alongside:

New Zealand

Belgium

Egypt

Iran will play their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

The Iranian federation insisted that no foreign power should stop the country from participating in a tournament it qualified for fairly.