Sports
Iran Sets Seven Conditions for Participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Iran’s Football Federation has outlined seven major conditions tied to visas, security, media access and national representation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid continuing political tensions between Tehran and the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Iran already securing qualification for the global tournament.
President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, disclosed the federation’s demands during an interview with a local sports channel, stating that the conditions were necessary to guarantee Iran’s smooth participation in the competition.
Iran’s Seven Conditions for World Cup Participation
According to Taj, the federation’s first demand is that all Iranian players, coaches and technical staff members must receive U.S. entry visas without complications.
The request reportedly includes footballers who previously completed military service under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.
Iran also demanded that no member of its delegation should face questioning or additional scrutiny from U.S. immigration officials upon arrival.
Another major condition involves creating a clear visa process for Iranian journalists and supporters intending to travel to the tournament.
The federation further requested increased security measures at airports, hotels and stadiums to protect Iranian players, officials and fans throughout the competition.
Iran additionally insisted that only officially recognised national flags should be allowed inside stadiums, requesting that any alternative flags or symbols not representing the “Islamic Republic of Iran” be prohibited.
The federation also demanded assurances that Iran’s national anthem would be played correctly and without interruption before matches.
Finally, Taj stated that questions directed at Iranian players and officials during press conferences should remain focused strictly on football and sporting matters rather than political issues.
Tensions Surround Iran’s Participation
Speculation over Iran’s participation in the World Cup had grown in recent months due to rising tensions between Tehran and Washington.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump recently expressed support for Iran’s participation in the tournament.
“Let them play,” Trump reportedly said during a media briefing.
Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino reaffirmed that Iran would compete at the tournament, stressing that football should unite people globally.
Iran is expected to begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, 2026.
The tournament will feature 48 national teams for the first time in FIFA World Cup history, making the 2026 edition the largest ever staged.
Follow BONA NAIJA for more
