Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj has outlined a set of 10 conditions required for Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The conditions, announced on May 9, address key areas including visa processing, national team security, media access, and official protocols during the tournament.
According to Taj, the conditions put forward by the Iran Football Federation include:
– All players and coaching staff, particularly those who have served in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, must be able to obtain visas without hindrance.
– Once visas are issued, players and coaching staff should not face questioning from immigration police upon entry.
– Clear solutions must be provided for visas for accompanying journalists and Iranian fans during matches.
– U.S. authorities are required to provide the highest level of security at airports, hotels, transportation routes, and stadiums to avoid disputes and issues similar to those that occurred previously in Australia.
– Only official flags are permitted in stadiums; no other flags, except the official Iranian national flag, may be brought into venues.
– Iran’s national anthem must be played in full and without interruption or interference at all matches.
– Journalists’ questions at press conferences must be limited to the tactical and technical aspects of the matches.
Iran’s national men’s football team is set to compete in Group G of the 2026 World Cup, facing Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three group stage matches will be played within the United States.
