2026 World Cup: Iran sets 10 conditions for participation, FIFA proposes meeting in Zurich

"We have submitted 10 conditions to FIFA for our team to participate in the World Cup and these 10 conditions must be accepted. As for visas, they must grant them to everyone, notably those who have served within the ‘Revolutionary Guards’ (such as Mehdi Taremi, for example, the striker who has scored 59 goals in 103 international caps)," Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, said on 08/05/2026.

These conditions include the granting of visas, respect for the staff, the Iranian flag and the national anthem, as well as a high level of security in airports, hotels and on routes leading to the stadiums where the Iranian national team is due to play (see schedule below). Iran has chosen Tucson, Arizona, as its base camp.

"If we do not participate in the World Cup, we will lose a major diplomatic asset," Mehdi Taj added during an interview broadcast on state television on 09/05/2026.

The issue of Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup has become increasingly sensitive due to the deterioration of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly since the…