Iran says it will play at 2026 World Cup if hosts address ‘concerns’

Iran’s presence at the tournament has been shrouded in uncertainty since the US and Israel launched a war on the country in February.Iran’s football federation has said the men’s national team will take part in the 2026 World Cup that begins in June, but demanded that joint hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada agree to its conditions amid the Middle East war.The call on Saturday comes after Canada refused entry to the federation’s chief last month before the FIFA Congress because of his alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the ideological arm of Iran’s military, which it designated as a “terrorist group” in 2024.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4US football a ‘different world’ compared to 1994 World Cup but flaws remainlist 2 of 4History-chasing Barcelona eye La Liga title coronation in El Clasicolist 3 of 4How and when can Arsenal or Man City win the Premier League?list 4 of 4Real Madrid fine Valverde and Tchouameni for dressing-room fightend of listIran’s presence at the tournament, which will take place between June 11 and July 19, has been shrouded in uncertainty since the US and Israel launched a war on the Middle East country in February.“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account,” the Iranian federation said on its official website.“We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”The Iranian football federation (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj told state TV on Friday that Tehran has 10 conditions for attending the global spectacle, seeking assurances over the country’s treatment.The conditions include visas being granted and respect for the national team staff, the team’s flag and its national anthem during the tournament, as well as demands for high security at airports, hotels and routes to the stadiums where they will play.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted that Iran’s footballers would be welcome at the tournament.