Iran puts 10 conditions for World Cup 2026 participation amid diplomatic tensions

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has officially signaled its intent to compete in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, but only if a specific series of guarantees are met by world football’s governing body and the tournament's North American hosts.

Following growing friction regarding the team’s presence at the event, the FFIRI released a statement on May 9 asserting that Iran will participate "without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions," while demanding that host nations address their specific security and diplomatic concerns.

The ultimatum follows a high-profile incident that took place in April when FFIRI President Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress.

Taj later disclosed that Iran has submitted 10 mandatory conditions to FIFA for their participation in the tournament, which is set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A primary sticking point in these negotiations is the guarantee of visas for all players, coaches, and staff, specifically including those who served their mandatory military service within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Because the IRGC is designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and Canada, the status of these individuals presents a significant legal hurdle.

The power to grant visas and manage border security remains strictly under the jurisdiction of the host nations while the FIFA maintains authority over tournament logistics and stadium protocols.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already said that while Iranian athletes are generally welcome, individuals with IRGC affiliations could still face entry restrictions, leaving FIFA to navigate a complex political minefield between Tehran and Washington.

Beyond the visa controversy, Iran is seeking ironclad assurances regarding the treatment of its national symbols, demanding total respect for the Iranian flag and anthem, alongside heightened security at all transit points and accommodations.

The federation has also reportedly requested that journalists be restricted to asking "technical football matters" only, an attempt to shield the squad from the political scrutiny that has historically followed the team.

The geopolitical backdrop further complicates the situation, as a fragile ceasefire currently holds following a series of military strikes between Israel, the U.S., and Iran earlier this year.

FIFA now faces the daunting task of ensuring the inclusion of all qualified nations while managing the fallout of recent incidents, such as the Women’s Asian Cup in March, where several Iranian players sought asylum in Australia.

Despite the list of demands and the shadow of regional instability, Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei remains focused on the pitch, even as the FFIRI continues its high-stakes negotiations to secure the team’s place in the largest World Cup in history.