The Iranian team will play in the 2026 World Cup, but with conditions. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran confirmed its participation in the tournament that starts on June 11, provided that the host countries, the United States, Mexico and Canada, accept a series of guarantees that include unrestricted visas for all members of the delegation, respect for the Iranian flag and national anthem and reinforced security measures.
The most sensitive requirement targets players with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, classified as a terrorist organization by both the United States and Canada.
Tension between Iran and host countries is not new. In 2024, Canada denied the entry of Iranian managers into the country and in May of that same year the Canadian authorities refused visas to members of the Iranian delegation, which generated diplomatic frictions that are now being transferred to the sports field.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Iranian soccer players will be admitted to US territory, although he left open the possibility of denying visas to members of the delegation with direct ties to the Revolutionary Guard, adding more uncertainty to the situation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was clear in stating that Iran will play its matches in the United States as scheduled, supporting the team’s participation in the tournament. The Iranians will base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, and make their debut on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, followed by matches against Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. The Iranian federation was forceful in its position. ““No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup for which it has qualified with merit.”the organization said in an official statement.
A complicated context
Iran’s situation in the 2026 World Cup occurs in the midst of a delicate geopolitical context between Tehran and Washington. Donald Trump awaits Iran’s response to a peace proposal to end the conflict in the Middle East, while recent clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and cross attacks in Lebanon maintain tension in the region.
With the tournament just over a month away from its start, the resolution of the Iranian demands is emerging as one of the most followed topics in the weeks prior to the start of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA maintains its position that all teams will participate on equal terms, although the case of Iran is the most delicate among the 48 countries classified in diplomatic terms, leaving open the question of how a situation that mixes sport and geopolitics in equal parts will be resolved.