Iran sets conditions for 2026 World Cup participation amid Middle East war

As Iran's national football team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has laid out specific conditions for participation, underscoring the nation's commitment to its principles even on the global stage.

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We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account.

This stance comes amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have cast a shadow over the team's involvement. The FFIRI's assertion that they will "definitely participate" but "without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions" highlights a determination to uphold national identity and values.

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We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.

The federation's president, Mehdi Taj, detailed 10 conditions, ranging from visa assurances for all staff and players to demands for high security and respect for national symbols like the flag and anthem. These requirements reflect a desire for dignified treatment and a secure environment, particularly given past incidents, such as the refusal of entry to the federation's chief due to his alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

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All players and technical staff, especially those who have served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC, such as Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi, should be granted visas without any problems.

While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Iranian footballers would be welcome, he also reiterated the US stance on the IRGC, creating a complex diplomatic backdrop. FIFA, however, has affirmed that Iran's games will proceed as scheduled in the United States, signaling a commitment to keeping the sport separate from political disputes. The FFIRI's firm declaration that "no external power can deprive Iran of its participation" resonates with a national pride in qualifying through merit and a resolve to stand firm on its conditions.

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No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup to which it has qualified with merit.