Iran says it will play in the 2026 World Cup if host nations address its concerns
Al Jazeera Staff
Iran’s football federation confirmed the men’s team will play in the 2026 World Cup but demanded the US, Mexico, and Canada address concerns over visas, security, and respect for national symbols. The statement follows Canada’s denial of entry to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj over alleged IRGC ties, and amid US and Israeli military operations against Iran.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) on 10 May issued a formal statement affirming that the country’s men’s national team will compete in the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in June, but demanded the host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—address Tehran’s concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The statement comes amid tensions after Canada in April denied entry to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj ahead of a FIFA congress, citing his alleged ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—a group Canada has designated as a terrorist organisation since 2024.
Iran’s participation in the tournament, running from 11 June to 19 July, has been clouded by instability since the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran in February.
“We will definitely take part in the 2026 World Cup, but the host nations must take our concerns into account,” FFIRI wrote on its official website. “We will attend the World Cup, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and positions.”
Speaking on state television on 9 May, FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Tehran has set ten conditions for its participation in the global event, including visa issuance, respect for team staff, the national flag, and the national anthem throughout the tournament, and demands for heightened security at airports, hotels, and routes to stadiums.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that Iranian players are welcome at the tournament but warned that the US could deny entry to members of the Iranian delegation linked to the IRGC, which Washington also lists as a terrorist group.
“All players and technical staff, especially those who have served in the IRGC military service such as Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi, must be granted visas without any problems,” Taj said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed that Iran will play its World Cup matches in the United States as planned. Iran, based in Tucson, Arizona, is in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.
Iran’s campaign opens on 15 June against New Zealand in Los Angeles. “No external force can take away the right to participate in a World Cup we have rightfully earned,” FFIRI stressed.
