Iran attacks FIFA and Trump, setting three conditions for its participation in the 2026 World Cup

The Iranian Football Federation has stepped up its criticism of FIFA, announcing specific conditions for participating in the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next June and July.

The Iranian news agency Tasnim quoted the federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, as levelling sharp criticism at FIFA, saying that “never before has the international federation behaved with such weakness”, accusing it of failing to take a firm stance against what he described as insults directed at Iran, and of bowing to political pressure.

Taj stressed that FIFA must prevent any political interference in the tournament’s affairs, referring to remarks by US President Donald Trump, and emphasised that the latter “is not in a position to determine whether Iran is permitted to participate or not”, adding that the Iranian national team had qualified for the finals on merit and did not require permission from any party to take part.

Iran demands from FIFA

He added that the Iranian Football Federation would put forward a set of conditions during an upcoming meeting with FIFA officials, including a guarantee that no political messages or stances would be directed against the team, the use of Iran’s official flag, and the provision of full security protection for the delegation throughout the tournament.

Taj emphasised that his country “will not participate in the World Cup unless these guarantees are met”, a stance reflecting the escalating tension surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament.

In contrast, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said during the FIFA Congress held in Vancouver that the Iranian team would play its group stage matches in the United States according to the approved schedule.

In a related development, Trump commented on the matter, saying: “If Infantino said that, then fine, let them play,” according to Reuters.

It is worth noting that the Iranian team is in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, amidst a politically charged atmosphere that raises questions about the nature of its participation in the upcoming tournament.

Featured image via L’equipe