The president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) Mehdi Taj has said that Iran’s participation in the FIFA World Cup is not only a sporting matter but also a significant diplomatic opportunity for the country.
Speaking in a televised interview on Saturday night, Mehdi Taj warned that if Iran were to miss out on the tournament, it would mean losing what he described as a “major diplomatic asset” on the global stage.
His remarks came as the federation confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East following recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel. However, the federation stressed that Iran’s participation would depend on specific conditions being accepted by the tournament hosts.
According to the FFIRI, Iran will compete in the tournament but expects guarantees related to the treatment of its delegation. These include visa facilitation, respect for the national team’s flag and anthem, and enhanced security arrangements at airports, hotels, and travel routes to stadiums.
Mehdi Taj also outlined 10 formal conditions for participation, all aimed at ensuring what he described as fair and respectful treatment of the Iranian team during the competition.
The federation’s statement reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to competing without compromising its cultural or national principles.
FIFA has previously maintained that Iran will participate in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iran is set to be based in Tucson, Arizona, during the World Cup and has been placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. The team will open its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.
