Iran Asks FIFA for Guarantees Ahead of World Cup

Iran has indicated it will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but has submitted 10 specific conditions that must be met by FIFA and the host nations. The Iranian Football Federation stated the team would participate without retreating from its beliefs, culture and convictions while insisting the hosts address its concerns.

The federation presented the conditions after its president was denied entry to Canada ahead of last month’s FIFA Congress. The demands include guarantees that all players, coaches and officials traveling with the team receive visas, including those who completed military service with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The group is designated a terrorist organization in both Canada and the United States. Officials are also seeking assurances of respect for the Iranian flag and national anthem as well as increased security at airports, hotels and routes to the stadiums.

FIFA can influence tournament logistics and protocols but visa and border decisions remain under United States jurisdiction. The U.S. Secretary of State has said Iranian footballers would be welcome while noting that individuals with certain affiliations could face entry restrictions.

This leaves FIFA balancing the participation of all qualified teams against political considerations between Tehran and Washington.

the Iranian Football

Federation told state television that declining to participate would deprive the country of a major diplomatic asset. "If we do not participate in the World Cup, we will lose a major diplomatic asset," he said. Iran’s participation has been uncertain since fighting began in February, though the federation website stated on Saturday that the team will play provided its concerns are addressed.

Some requests, such as limiting journalists to technical football questions, may prove difficult to enforce. The boundary between sport and politics has often blurred in Iran’s case. At the women’s Asian Cup in Australia in March, several players attempted to claim asylum, leading to a diplomatic standoff in which seven received humanitarian visas but five later returned home.

The men’s national team coach has acknowledged that politically charged atmospheres could surround some World Cup matches. Despite the tensions there is no indication Iran intends to withdraw. Negotiations between FIFA, Iranian officials and U.S. authorities are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

The demands arrive against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire that halted wide-ranging strikes launched by Israel and the United States on Iran on 28 February. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and U.S.-allied states in the Gulf. Iranian military officials have declared that a period of strategic patience is over and warned of tough repercussions for any further attacks on Iranian interests or oil tankers.

Iran sent a response to the latest U.S. proposal via Pakistan, which is mediating the conflict. State media reported the reply focused on ending the war and ensuring maritime security in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Officials said Tehran seeks full guarantees from regional countries and the U.N. Security Council before addressing other issues such as navigation through the strait.

A near-total nationwide internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities entered its 72nd day on Sunday. Monitoring group NetBlocks reported connectivity has remained flat after more than 1,700 hours with no sign of broader restoration. Separately, Iranian oil authorities denied reports of a leak near the country’s main export hub on Kharg Island after satellite imagery appeared to show a slick.