Iran Football Federation (IFF) President Mehdi Taj has confirmed that Iran will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.

Soccer

Taj stated that the country’s participation will depend on FIFA and the co-host nation, the United States, meeting 10 conditions submitted by the Iranian Football Federation, according to the BBC.

Iran has been drawn in Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand, with all of their group stage matches scheduled to be played in the United States.

One of the major conditions reportedly demands that visas be granted to all members of Iran’s travelling delegation, including coaches, players and officials linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the United States classifies as a terrorist organisation.

The development adds another layer of political tension to preparations for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada and Mexico will host.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at the White House that individuals with ties to the IRGC could be prevented from entering the country, “May not be able to allow them in”