Iran demands guarantees for World Cup participation

Iran has stated its intention to participate in the upcoming football World Cup, but has presented FIFA and the tournament hosts with a list of demands. These demands, outlined by the Iranian Football Federation, aim to ensure the team can compete "without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions." Key concerns include guarantees for visas for all team members, including those with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Canada and the US. Iran is also seeking assurances regarding the respectful treatment of its national symbols and enhanced security throughout the tournament, which begins on June 11th in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These conditions arise amid growing tensions and follow the denial of entry to Iran's football federation president into Canada.

Iran's national football team intends to participate in the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but has outlined conditions for their attendance. The Iranian Football Federation stated their commitment to playing, provided the hosts address their concerns, which include visa assurances, respect for their flag and anthem, and high security. This comes after Canada denied entry to the federation's chief due to alleged ties to the IRGC. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19. The US Secretary of State has indicated that Iran's footballers would be welcomed.

US President Donald Trump has stated he is "OK" with Iran participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America in June and July. This statement follows confirmation from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iran will play their World Cup matches in the United States. Infantino reiterated this during the 76th FIFA congress in Vancouver, addressing uncertainty surrounding Iran's participation due to the US-Israel war. Iran's proposed shift of group games from the US to Mexico had previously been rejected by FIFA. The Iranian delegation had also briefly left Canada due to an issue with border officials.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran's presence at the tournament has been uncertain due to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel, leading Tehran to request alternative venues for matches on US soil. FIFA has rejected this request, maintaining the original schedule. While the US has stated no objections to Iranian players participating, individuals with ties to the IRGC will not be permitted to accompany them. Infantino emphasized the importance of unity and the responsibility of FIFA to ensure all qualified teams can compete.

Iranian football officials were absent from pre-World Cup events in Canada, raising questions about their visa status. Representatives from Iran's football federation did not attend the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in Vancouver, a significant meeting of Asian football leaders. While the reason for their absence remains unclear, concerns about visa issues potentially impacting travel to the congress and the upcoming World Cup were noted. FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the congress, acknowledging the current global conflicts but did not discuss Iran's participation or potential game relocations. Iran's government has stated the national team is preparing for the tournament, and FIFA has confirmed the World Cup schedule will remain unchanged.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is urging FIFA to press the United States government for an "ICE Truce" during the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. HRW's report calls for a public guarantee from US federal authorities to halt immigration enforcement operations at and around World Cup venues. This request stems from concerns over the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) role in a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive. HRW believes FIFA should leverage its influence to ensure the Trump administration refrains from abusive enforcement, rolls back discriminatory travel bans, and protects rights like freedom of assembly and speech for athletes, fans, and workers attending the tournament. The proposed truce is inspired by the ancient Olympic Truce tradition.