Iran Sets Terms for Taking Part in World Cup

Iran's football federation announced on Saturday that the national men's team will participate in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place this summer, but with certain conditions that must be met by the joint hosts, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, amidst the ongoing Middle East war.

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The federation's demand comes after Canada denied entry to its chief last month prior to the FIFA Congress, citing his ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Canada designated as a terror group in 2024.

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The uncertainty surrounding Iran's presence at the tournament, set to occur between June 11 and July 19, has been ongoing since the eruption of war in the Middle East in February, following strikes by the United States and Israel.

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The Iranian federation stated on its official website, "We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account," and also emphasized, "We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions."

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Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian football federation, revealed to state TV on Friday that Tehran has outlined 10 conditions for attending the global event, seeking assurances regarding the country's treatment, including visa grants and respect for the national team staff.

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Among the conditions are demands for high security at airports, hotels, and routes to the stadiums where the team will play, as well as respect for the team's flag and national anthem during the tournament.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Iran's footballers are welcome at the tournament, but warned that the US may bar entry to members of the Iranian delegation with ties to the IRGC, which it also designates as a terrorist organization.

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Iranian football chief Taj specified that players and technical staff, including those who have served in the IRGC, such as Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi, should be granted visas without any issues.

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FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will play their World Cup games in the United States as scheduled, with the team set to be based in Tucson, Arizona.

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Iran is slated to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G, with their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

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The Iranian federation asserted, "No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup to which it has qualified with merit."