A360
Key Takeaways✦ Atlas AI
01
Iran confirms 2026 World Cup participation.
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Conditions include visas and security assurances.
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Geopolitical tensions influence participation terms.
Atlas AI
Iran’s football federation said on May 9, 2026, that the men’s national team will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it wants the joint hosts — the United States, Mexico and Canada — to meet a set of conditions related to visas, security and treatment of the team.
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Iran’s participation had been uncertain asourceser Canada refused entry last month to the head of the Iranian federation ahead of the FIFA Congress, citing alleged links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Canada designated the IRGC a “terrorist group” in 2024.
Iran’s conditions
The Iranian federation said it has 10 conditions for attending the World Cup, including:
- Guaranteed visas for all players and technical staff
- Respect for the national team’s flag and anthem
- High-security assurances at airports, hotels and along transportation routes
Host-country entry rules and FIFA schedule
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iranian footballers would be welcome in the United States, but warned that people with IRGC ties could face entry restrictions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran’s matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
Iran is slated to be based in Tucson, Arizona, and will compete in Group G against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. Iran’s opening match is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand.
