The Iran national football team have confirmed its participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 while urging host nations the United States, Mexico, and Canada to take its concerns into account amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In an official statement, the Iranian Football Federation said the team will compete in the tournament without withdrawing from its “beliefs, culture, and principles,” while calling for guarantees regarding visas, security arrangements, and respect for its national symbols.
The statement follows diplomatic friction after Canada recently denied entry to Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, citing his alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which some countries have designated as a terrorist organization.
Iran’s participation had been under uncertainty following regional conflict earlier this year, but officials now insist the team will take part as planned.
The federation also outlined several conditions for participation, including smooth visa procedures for players and staff, particularly those with mandatory military service backgrounds such as Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.
U.S. officials have stated that Iranian players are welcome to compete in the tournament but warned that individuals linked to sanctioned organizations could face entry restrictions.
Iran have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All of Iran’s group-stage matches will take place in the United States.
The team will open its campaign against New Zealand in California on June 16, before facing Belgium on June 21 and concluding its group-stage fixtures against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
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