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Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup depends on whether it receives firm guarantees from FIFA, with the country’s football chief warning that the team may withdraw if concerns over access and treatment are not addressed.
Iran’s Football Federation President Mehdi Taj stated that while the national team is preparing for the tournament, the final decision on participation will depend on assurances from FIFA. Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Taj indicated that Iranian officials are seeking clear guarantees in an upcoming meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom.
He stressed that the team wants to avoid a repeat of a recent incident in Canada and expects confirmation that it will not face entry restrictions or what he described as “disrespect,” particularly toward Iran’s state institutions. While underlining that Iran has no issue with the United States, Taj emphasized that the World Cup is organized by FIFA rather than any single host country.
The demand for guarantees follows an episode in which Iranian football officials were unable to attend the FIFA Congress in Canada despite reportedly holding valid visas. Taj and Federation Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeini had traveled via Türkiye for meetings linked to the Asian Football Confederation and the FIFA Congress but were denied entry upon arrival.
The Iranian media described the situation as politically motivated, while Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand suggested the incident may not have been intentional. FIFA later expressed regret and signaled that a separate meeting with Iranian officials would be arranged.
Despite the uncertainty, Iran is continuing to prepare for the tournament. Taj outlined plans for a training camp in Türkiye following a short break, along with two friendly matches in the country and one in the United States ahead of the competition.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in June, is expected to include Iran, which has already qualified. U.S. officials have indicated that Iranian athletes are not expected to face restrictions, although some accompanying individuals could be affected.
The FIFA leadership has also maintained that Iran is expected to take part, reinforcing that qualification remains intact while discussions over guarantees continue.
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