Political tensions between the United States and Iran have cast a shadow over preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iran’s participation becoming one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.
The issue began after worsening relations between Iran and the United States following recent military tensions in the Middle East.
Concerns over security, diplomacy and the treatment of Iranian officials have raised uncertainty about whether Iran will even take part in the tournament, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
In recent months, some Iranian officials had threatened to boycott the World Cup entirely, while FIFA continued discussions with the Iranian Football Federation over the team’s participation.
Iran had also reportedly requested that some of its matches be moved from the United States to Mexico due to safety concerns.
Now, Iran’s football federation has confirmed that the national team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but only under strict conditions.
According to reports from Iranian media, the federation has presented 10 demands to tournament organisers and host nations before fully committing to the competition.
The conditions include guaranteed visas for all players and staff, including former members of the Revolutionary Guard, as well as assurances of respect for all Iranian personnel while in the United States.
Iran also wants its national flag properly displayed and its anthem correctly played before matches. The federation further demanded maximum security at airports, hotels and team transit routes throughout the tournament.
Other conditions include allowing only officially recognised Iranian flags inside stadiums, banning political criticism directed at the team, and preventing insults against the Iranian military.
Iranian officials are also demanding that journalists restrict their questions to football matters only, while calling for official recognition of the Islamic Republic symbols during the competition.
The federation warned that if any of these conditions are violated, Iran could withdraw from the tournament even after it has started.
