Iran has said it will participate in the 2026 World Cup but with a set of 10 conditions, spanning visas, respect for the flag and anthem, and security guarantees. This page breaks down what the 10 conditions mean, how visa rules and security demands could affect Iran’s participation, what happened with Canada, and where Iran will play in the U.S. during the tournament. Scroll for quick answers to the questions people are asking right now.
Iran says the 10 conditions are guarantees it needs to participate without facing new barriers. The list includes visa ease for players and staff, protection of Iran’s flag and anthem, and strong security for travel and matches. This comes after tensions with other nations and immigration rules affecting participation in the U.S.-hosted tournament.
Visa processing, entry permissions, and security assurances determine whether Iran can travel smoothly to the U.S. for training and matches. If guarantees are not met, Iran could face travel delays or refusals, potentially disrupting their World Cup plans. FIFA has indicated Iran will participate and play in the United States, but the specifics of visas and security remain a critical factor.
Canada refused entry to Iran’s federation chief at a FIFA Congress, citing concerns tied to alleged links with the IRGC. Iran cited this incident as part of the broader push for guarantees. The move highlights how state-level immigration decisions can intersect with football administration and FIFA’s ability to manage international competition smoothly.
Iran is slated to be based in Tucson, Arizona, with their opener in Los Angeles on June 15 against New Zealand. Matches will be spread across U.S. venues. Fans should expect heightened security, travel considerations, and the usual World Cup atmosphere, with the additional context of the 10 conditionsIran has laid out.
The conditions include explicit requests for respect toward Iran’s flag and national anthem, assurances that all players and coaching staff can obtain visas without impediments, secure travel routes, and reliable arrangements that ensure the team can travel and compete without political or bureaucratic obstacles.
FIFA says Iran will participate and will play in the United States. The organization has invited Iran to talks in Zurich before the tournament to resolve guarantees. FIFA is balancing football governance with the broader political and immigration challenges that come with hosting a World Cup in the U.S.
Iran’s presence at the tournament, which will take place between 11 June and 19 July, has been shrouded in uncertainty