Iran Imposes 10 Conditions for FIFA World Cup 2026 Participation, Refuses to Compromise on National Flag and Dignity

Iran has announced that its participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, will depend on the acceptance of 10 strict conditions by the host countries. Iranian football authorities said the country would not compromise on its national flag, dignity, beliefs, culture, or ideology while participating in the global football event.

According to UNI reports dated May 10, uncertainty had surrounded the participation of the Iranian national football team due to the ongoing war-like situation and tensions involving Iran. However, following efforts by FIFA officials, the Iranian Football Federation confirmed that the national team would participate in the tournament only if all concerns raised by Tehran were addressed.

Iranian Football Federation Issues Strong Statement

The Iranian Football Federation stated on its official website that Iran would definitely participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the host nations must respect the country’s concerns.

The federation stated:

“We will definitely participate in the World Cup 2026, but the host countries must take our concerns into consideration. We will participate in the World Cup without compromising on our beliefs, culture and ideology.”

Iranian state television reported that Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, confirmed that Tehran had placed 10 conditions for participation and sought guarantees regarding the treatment of the Iranian delegation during the tournament.

Iran’s 10 Conditions for FIFA World Cup 2026

The conditions set by Iran include:

• Issuance of visas during the tournament
• Respect for the Iranian national team staff
• Respect for Iran’s national flag
• Respect for the Iranian national anthem
• Strict security arrangements at airports
• Security at hotels
• Security on routes leading to stadiums
• Guarantees regarding the treatment of the Iranian delegation

Iran has insisted that the host countries provide complete security and respectful treatment for the Iranian delegation throughout the tournament.

Marco Rubio Confirms Iranian Players Will Be Welcomed

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Iranian football players would be welcomed during the tournament.

However, he warned that the United States could restrict entry for members of the Iranian delegation linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also known as Pasdaran-e-Inqilab.

Canada Earlier Refused Entry to Mehdi Taj

Iran’s demands come after Canada reportedly refused entry permission last month to Mehdi Taj for attending a FIFA conference.

The incident reportedly increased Tehran’s concerns regarding the treatment of Iranian officials during international sporting events held in North America.

Iran to Stay in Tucson, Arizona During Tournament

Iran has been placed in Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Iranian team will stay in Tucson city in the US state of Arizona during the tournament.

Group G teams include:

• Iran
• New Zealand
• Belgium
• Egypt

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Iran has made it clear that its participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 depends on the acceptance of 10 conditions related to visas, security arrangements, and respect for the country’s national symbols and delegation. Mehdi Taj stated that Iran would not compromise on its national flag, anthem, beliefs, culture, or ideology. While Marco Rubio confirmed Iranian players would be welcomed, concerns remain regarding possible restrictions on individuals linked to the Revolutionary Guard.

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