Iran to participate in 2026 World Cup under certain conditions

Iran’s National Football Team to Participate in 2026 World Cup, but with Conditions

The Iranian football federation has confirmed that the men’s national team will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19. However, the team’s participation is contingent on certain conditions being met by the joint hosts, the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In a statement released on its official website, the Iranian federation expressed its intention to participate in the tournament, but emphasized that the hosts must take their concerns into account. The statement also outlined 10 conditions that Tehran has set for attending the global event, including visa grants, respect for the national team staff, flag, and anthem, as well as demands for high security at airports, hotels, and routes to stadiums.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured that Iran’s footballers would be welcome at the tournament, but warned that the US may bar entry to members of the Iranian delegation with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The FIFA chief, Gianni Infantino, has reiterated that Iran will play their World Cup games in the US as scheduled.

The Iranian team is set to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G. Their first match against New Zealand is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles.

Source: Al Jazeera