Iran has confirmed it will participate in this summer’s football World Cup but is demanding a series of guarantees from FIFA and the host nations-the United States, Mexico, and Canada-amid rising political tensions.
The Iranian Football Federation released a statement Saturday, insisting the team will compete "without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions" while outlining 10 conditions for participation.
Among the key demands: guarantees that all players, coaches, and officials will receive visas-including those who served with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated a terrorist organization in both Canada and the U.S.
This comes after FFIRI president Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada ahead of last month’s FIFA Congress-a snub tied to his links to the IRGC.
Iran is also seeking assurances that its national flag and anthem will be respected, and that enhanced security will be provided at airports, hotels, and stadiums during the tournament, which begins June 11.
FIFA can oversee logistics and protocols during the competition, but visa and border control decisions ultimately fall under U.S. jurisdiction. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iranian players are welcome, but warned IRGC-linked individuals could face restrictions.
The backdrop: U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February and Iranian retaliation have left a fragile ceasefire in place.
Some requests may be hard to enforce. Iranian officials have asked journalists to stick to "technical football matters," but in Iran’s case, football and politics are deeply intertwined. The women’s team saw several players seek asylum in Australia in March-a move some later reversed.
Despite the tensions, there is no indication Iran will withdraw. Instead, the stage is set for complex negotiations between FIFA, Tehran, and Washington ahead of the largest World Cup in history.