The Iranian Football Federation confirmed on Saturday the participation of the Iranian national football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to Iranian state media, the decision has now been finalized and the visa application process has been completed. The Iranian national team, already qualified on the field, is continuing its preparations for the tournament.
Iran will compete in a group stage that includes matches scheduled in Los Angeles, Seattle and on the North American continent, including games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
Conditions set by Tehran
Alongside this confirmation, the Iranian federation reportedly sent a list of conditions to the organizers. These mainly concern entry requirements into the United States, security, and rules governing participation.
Among the demands mentioned are the issuance of visas without complications for players, coaches, and journalists, as well as guaranteed easy access for Iranian fans. The federation is also reportedly requesting enhanced security measures around the tournament infrastructure.
Other points concern the symbolic and media framework of Iranian participation, including the exclusive use of the national flag in stadiums, the full broadcast of the national anthem and the limitation of questions in press conferences to sporting topics.
A sensitive diplomatic context
This stance comes amid already tense international tensions surrounding the competition, which is being held for the first time in a tripartite arrangement in North America. The participation of certain teams, including Iran, takes place within a diplomatic framework where security and travel issues remain particularly sensitive.
Despite these conditions, the Iranian federation insists on the normal continuation of sports preparation, with the objective of focusing on the team's performance during the tournament.
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