The Iranian Football Federation has submitted a list of 10 conditions [1] to FIFA to secure participation in the 2026 World Cup [2].
The demands highlight the diplomatic tension between Iran and the U.S., as the federation seeks to prevent political obstacles from blocking its national team. Because the tournament will be held in the U.S. [3], visa restrictions could potentially disqualify key personnel from the squad.
Federation President Mehdi Taj said the primary requirement is a guarantee that all players and technical staff will be granted entry. This request specifically includes individuals who completed their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [4].
"All players and technical staff, especially those who served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without problems," Taj said [4].
These requirements were presented in May 2026, approximately one month [5] before the tournament is scheduled to begin in June 2026 [6]. The federation is seeking these assurances to ensure that the team can compete without the risk of members being denied travel documents due to their political or military backgrounds [7].
FIFA now faces the task of mediating between the sports governing body's neutrality and the strict immigration laws of the host nation. The 10 conditions [1] serve as a prerequisite for Iran's presence in the competition, placing the responsibility on FIFA to secure these diplomatic clearances [8].
“"All players and technical staff, especially those who served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without problems,"”
This move underscores the intersection of international sports and geopolitics. By specifically naming the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran is testing whether FIFA can leverage its influence to bypass U.S. security screenings. If the U.S. refuses to grant visas to IRGC-affiliated personnel, Iran may be forced to either field a depleted squad or withdraw from the tournament entirely, creating a diplomatic crisis for FIFA just weeks before the opening match.
