Iran Asserts Participation in 2026 World Cup, Sets Conditions
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has confirmed that its national team will participate in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, Tehran has laid out a series of demands, including guarantees regarding the treatment of its team and staff, particularly those linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Background and Context
Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup has been a topic of uncertainty amidst ongoing tensions following the war launched by the US and Israel on the country. The FFIRI's declaration comes on the heels of a refusal of entry to federation president Mehdi Taj by Canada last month ahead of the FIFA Congress. This development has amplified Iran's concerns over the ensuring of visas for all its players, coaches, and officials.
Key Developments
According to the FFIRI, Iran's team will participate in the tournament without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions
. The federation has presented FIFA with 10 conditions for participation, among which are assurances that all players, coaches, and officials will receive visas, including those who have completed military service with the IRGC.
The IRGC, a designated terror organization, has officials linked to it who Tehran insists must be allowed into the host countries. However, both the US and Canada have indicated that such officials will be barred.
In response to these conditions, Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj explicitly demanded that the US respect Iran's military institutions for the team's participation in the World Cup games scheduled in California and Seattle in the coming months.
We are going to the World Cup, for which we qualified, and our host is FIFA - not Mr. Trump or America,
Taj said. He further added that the host nations must take our concerns into account.
Implications and Reactions
The visa issue has already begun causing complications. The US has yet to issue entry visas to members of Iran’s national football team, with the process reportedly taking a very long time
. Iran had previously asked FIFA to move its Group G matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt from the US to Mexico, but the request was rejected.
Despite these challenges, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence that Iran will participate in the World Cup. The federation hopes the issue will be resolved during their upcoming 15-day training camp in Turkey.
Current Status
As of now, Iran remains firm in its decision to participate in the 2026 World Cup, provided its conditions are met. The country seeks a guarantee that the IRGC and other state institutions will not be insulted during the tournament. The negotiations and discussions between FIFA, the host nations, and Iran are ongoing, with the hope that the issues will be resolved ahead of the tournament's start on June 11.