Iran Requests FIFA Visa Guarantees and Security Assurances for World Cup

The Iranian Football Federation has submitted a list of 10 conditions to FIFA for its participation in the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and begins on 11 June.

The conditions include guarantees that all players, coaches and officials will receive visas allowing unrestricted travel between the three host countries. The federation is also seeking assurances that Iran’s national flag and anthem will be respected during official ceremonies, along with enhanced security measures at airports, hotels and stadiums used by the Iranian team.

The demands follow the denial of a visa to Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, preventing him from attending last month’s FIFA Congress in Canada. Taj’s alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were cited as the reason for the refusal. The IRGC is designated a terrorist organisation by both Canada and the United States.

Iran announced in March it would withdraw from the World Cup over safety concerns. A ceasefire is currently in place following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February and subsequent Iranian attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf. President Trump said Iran would be welcome at the tournament but suggested they should perhaps stay away for their own life and safety.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iranian footballers would be welcome but that individuals with links to the IRGC could still face restrictions on entering the United States.

At the women’s Asian Cup in Australia earlier this year, seven members of the Iranian squad received humanitarian visas after seeking asylum. Five of those seven subsequently returned home. Amir Ghalenoei, manager of Iran’s men’s national team, acknowledged that “politically charged atmospheres” may accompany Iran’s matches during the World Cup.

Iranian officials have asked journalists to restrict questions to technical footballing topics.