WANA (May 10) – The president of the Iran Football Federation said: “We have set 10 conditions for participating in the World Cup, and we are trying to arrange a direct flight from Turkey to the United States through Iranian airlines.”

 

Mehdi Taj, speaking about what happened to him in Canada, said: “I am concerned about the World Cup. If we are treated this way in Canada and fail to take it seriously, the situation in the United States could be even worse. It has been 10 days since we returned from Canada, yet our luggage still hasn’t been sent back. I have no idea what has happened to our suitcases.”

 

The head of Iran’s Football Federation announced that 10 conditions had been submitted to FIFA regarding the national team’s participation in the World Cup. He said these conditions were designed to guarantee the Iranian delegation’s rights, security, and equal treatment.

 

He added: “One of the most important issues is that visas must be issued to all team members without any exceptions, and everyone should be allowed to enter under equal conditions.”

 

He stressed: “There had been discussions about some individuals possibly not receiving visas, but we are not guests of the host country; we are guests of FIFA, and FIFA must guarantee this matter.”

 

The Football Federation president continued: “FIFA is responsible for organizing the tournament, not the host countries. Therefore, FIFA must provide all the necessary guarantees for participating teams to ensure there are no disruptions during the competition.”

Replicas of FIFA World Cup Trophy are displayed in a shop in Tehran, Iran, April 23, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Taj added: “Another important condition is that after visas are issued, no additional interviews or restrictions should be imposed on team members. Also, no unrelated flags or symbols should be present inside the stadiums.”

 

He emphasized that Iran’s national anthem must be played in full and without any restrictions. “Past competitions have shown that problems can sometimes arise in this regard, so this issue must be fully respected.”

 

He also said that full security for Iran’s national team must be guaranteed, and that police and tournament organizers are obliged to provide those assurances. “These guarantees should be given to FIFA and then communicated to the teams through FIFA — not directly by the host country,” he said.

 

He continued: “These are standard requirements for hosting international competitions, but due to the sensitivities surrounding hosting in the United States, they must be reviewed carefully once again.”

 

Taj stressed that Iran has earned a respected position in world football in recent years and has gained significant international credibility. “In some countries, Iran’s flag may even be displayed on match days,” he said.

 

He explained that the Iranian national team will first travel to Turkey for a training camp lasting around 10 to 15 days before heading to the United States for the World Cup. “During that period, the visa process must be fully finalized, because visas have still not been issued for all team members and there is not much time left.”

 

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He added: “Regarding the visa process, we have requested that procedures be handled in Ankara, and if possible, fingerprinting requirements for national team members should be waived so that visas can be issued more quickly and in the shortest possible time.”

 

He said the necessary follow-ups are underway and that every effort is being made to ensure there are no obstacles in obtaining visas for the team delegation.

 

The Football Federation president also said: “We are seeking coordination to use a charter flight operated by an Iranian airline so that the national team can travel directly to the United States and settle at the tournament venue.”

 

Taj added that this matter also requires special permits, which are currently being pursued. “Our goal is for the national team to enter the World Cup without administrative or logistical concerns, allowing the entire focus to remain on technical preparation and performance during the tournament.”

 

Iran National Team Schedule – 2026 FIFA World Cup

  • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Match 15: Iran vs. New Zealand – 4:30 a.m. Tehran time – Los Angeles Stadium
  • Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Match 39: Belgium vs. Iran – 10:30 p.m. Tehran time – Los Angeles Stadium
  • Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Match 63: Egypt vs. Iran – 6:30 a.m. Tehran time – Seattle Stadium