Iran has officially confirmed its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but with a clear message: the team will only take the field if FIFA and the tournament's joint hosts—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—meet a specific set of demands. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran in late February.

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) released a statement on its official website, asserting that "no external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup to which it has qualified with merit." The statement emphasized that while Iran will compete, it will do so "without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions."

FFIRI President Mehdi Taj elaborated on the conditions during a state TV interview on Friday, listing ten key requirements. At the top of the list is visa assurance for all players and technical staff, particularly those who have served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), such as star forwards Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi. This demand comes after Taj himself was denied entry to Canada last month for the FIFA Congress due to his own service in the IRGC, which is designated as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and Canada.

Additional demands include the prominent display of Iran's national flag and the playing of its national anthem at all matches, as well as enhanced security measures for the team. With Iran set to be based in Tucson, Arizona, for the tournament, the federation is leaving no room for ambiguity about its expectations.

On the pitch, Team Melli will open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by group stage matches against Belgium and Egypt. As one of Asia's top footballing nations, Iran has earned its place on the world stage—but the road to the tournament now involves more than just tactics and training.