Iran's national football team will participate in the 2026 World Cup if their conditions are met by the joint hosts, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The Iranian Football Federation insists on addressing their concerns before confirming participation.
Key points
Iran's national team will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Participation is conditional on host nations addressing Iran's concerns.
Iran insists on maintaining its beliefs and culture.
Iran's status is affected by conflict with the U.S. and Israel.
Mentioned in this story
Iranian Football FederationUnited StatesMexicoCanada
Iran national football team2026 World Cup
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has said that its national team will "definitely" take part in the upcoming World Cup — but only if the joint hosts (the United States, Mexico and Canada) agree to its conditions.
Iran's status has been up in the air since the U.S. and Israel launched an armed conflict against the Middle East nation in late February.
"We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account," the FFIRI said on its official website.
"We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.
"No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup to which it has qualified with merit."
Spain – 17th appearance
Brazil – 23rd appearance
United States of America – 12th appearance
Mexico – 18th appearance
Q&A
What conditions does Iran have for participating in the 2026 World Cup?
Iran demands that the joint hosts address their concerns before confirming their participation in the tournament.
Why is Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup uncertain?
Iran's status is uncertain due to ongoing armed conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against the nation.
Who are the joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup?
The joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup are the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
What has the Iranian Football Federation stated about their World Cup participation?
The FFIRI has stated that Iran will definitely participate in the World Cup, provided their concerns are taken into account.
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Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament
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In addition to the statement on the website, FFIRI president Mehdi Taj told state TV on Friday that Tehran has 10 conditions for attending the tournament.
"All players and technical staff, especially those who have served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC, such as Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi, should be granted visas without any problems," Taj said.
Taj was denied entry to Canada for last month's FIFA Congress due to his previous service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite branch of Iran's military.
The IRGC is considered a terrorist organization in both the U.S. and Canada.
Taj also issued a demand for additional items, such as the presence of the team flag and national anthem at the event and high security.
Iran's national team is set to report in the coming weeks to Tucson, Arizona, where it will be based for the tournament.
On June 15, Iran will kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Team Melli will also take on Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.