Iran Sets Conditions for 2026 World Cup Participation, Demands Guarantees for IRGC-Affiliated Personnel

G. E (Elbotola)

09 May 2026at17:00

The Iranian Football Federation confirmed on Saturday the national team's commitment to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, the federation stipulated that the host nations must accept a set of specific requirements to ensure their presence. Mehdi Taj, President of the Federation, clarified that these conditions include providing full guarantees for visa issuance, with a particular focus on players and technical staff members who have completed military service within the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Taj emphasized the necessity of facilitating administrative procedures for the Iranian delegation and overcoming any potential political obstacles. He stated, "All players and technical staff members, especially those who served their military service in the ranks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, must obtain entry visas without any obstacles." In addition to the visa issue, Iranian demands included the need to respect the national flag and anthem, and to provide high levels of security to protect the team throughout its stay in North America. An official statement from the federation added, "We will participate in the tournament but without abandoning our beliefs, culture, and convictions."

These moves follow Canadian authorities' refusal to grant Mehdi Taj an entry visa last September, based on allegations of ties to the IRGC, which both Canada and the United States classify as a terrorist organization. In this context, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously warned of the possibility of denying entry to members of the Iranian delegation associated with this entity, prompting the Iranian Federation to demand prior guarantees to avoid any diplomatic or sporting crises before the global event.

Despite these tensions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated that Iran would play its World Cup matches on American soil as previously scheduled. The Iranian national team is expected to establish its training camp in Tucson, Arizona, where it will compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Q&A

What conditions has Iran set for its 2026 World Cup participation?

The Iranian Football Federation demands specific guarantees for its 2026 World Cup participation, primarily focusing on visa issuance for players and staff, especially those with military service in the IRGC. They also require respect for their flag and anthem, alongside high security.

Why is Iran demanding visa guarantees for IRGC-affiliated personnel?

Iran is demanding visa guarantees due to past issues, including Canadian authorities denying an entry visa to the Federation President last September. This refusal was based on alleged ties to the IRGC, prompting Iran to seek assurances to prevent future diplomatic or sporting crises.

How will FIFA address Iran's demands for the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran will play its 2026 World Cup matches on American soil as scheduled, despite the tensions. The Iranian national team is expected to establish its training camp in Tucson, Arizona, preparing for the tournament.