Iran will be allowed to play its 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup matches in the United States provided specific security and diplomatic conditions are met.
The agreement marks a rare point of cooperation between Washington and Tehran, ensuring that geopolitical tensions do not force the disqualification of a national team or the relocation of tournament matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran will play its World Cup matches in the United States [2]. However, the participation remains contingent on guarantees regarding the treatment of the Iranian delegation and the enforcement of U.S. security protocols.
Mehdi Taj, the chief of the Iran Football Federation, said FIFA guarantees that the IRGC will be respected, which is essential for our participation [3]. The IRGC refers to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, a military institution that remains a point of contention in international relations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the security requirements for the delegation's entry. Rubio said Washington has no objections to Iranian players participating, but anyone with ties to the IRGC will not be admitted to the country [3].
These conditions aim to balance the sporting requirements of the tournament with U.S. national security laws. The arrangement seeks to prevent the entry of sanctioned individuals, while allowing athletes to compete without harassment.
Preliminary talks to finalize these arrangements are scheduled to take place in Zurich, Switzerland [4]. These discussions will likely focus on the specific vetting processes for team staff and officials to ensure no IRGC-linked personnel are included in the travel party.
Reports on May 6, 2026 [5], indicated that the Iranian federation is seeking firm assurances that its military institutions will not be insulted during the team's stay in the U.S. This demand reflects the sensitive nature of the relationship between the two nations.
“"Iran will play its World Cup matches in the United States."”
This agreement demonstrates the complex intersection of global sports and national security. By separating the athletic participants from the political and military leadership of the IRGC, the U.S. and FIFA are attempting to maintain the neutrality of the World Cup while upholding strict sanctions and security mandates. The success of this arrangement depends on the precise definition of 'ties' to the IRGC during the vetting process in Zurich.
