Iran to play World Cup, sets 10 conditions

Uncertainty over Iran's participation in the World Cup has finally ended. On Saturday, May 9, Iran's Football Federation announced that their national team will play in the upcoming World Cup. However, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict, they have demanded that the three host nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada — agree to their conditions.

Canada had barred the head of Iran's federation from entering to attend the FIFA Congress last month, prompting Iran to issue the conditions.

Following US and Israeli aggression on Iran in February, there had been serious uncertainty over Iran's participation in the World Cup. The Iranian federation said on its official website, "We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup. But the host nations must also consider our concerns."

"We will play in the World Cup, but without deviating even slightly from our beliefs, culture and resolve," they added.

Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj told state TV that they had set 10 conditions for participating in the World Cup, seeking assurances of respectful treatment towards their country.

Among the conditions are visa issuance during the tournament, respect for the national team's staff, flag and national anthem, and ensuring strict security on the roads when travelling to and from airports, hotels and stadiums.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stressed that Iranian footballers will be welcome at the tournament. However, members of the Iranian delegation associated with the IRGC, a designated terrorist organisation by the US, will not be allowed entry under any circumstances.

The Iranian football chief said all players and technical staff, especially those who have completed military service in the IRGC, such as Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi, must be granted visas without any trouble.

Iran are placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. They will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.