The 2026 World Cup is causing controversy in Iran.

Mahdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, considered that Iran's absence from the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, would deprive the country of a "significant diplomatic gain" if it were to occur.

The fate of Iran's participation in the tournament, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, remains unclear since the outbreak of war in late February of this year, with the United States and Israel launching strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Mahdi Taj stated in an interview broadcast last night on state television: "If we do not participate in the World Cup, we will lose an important diplomatic gain."

The president of the Iranian Football Federation had indicated the day before that Tehran had set ten conditions for its participation in the tournament, demanding guarantees regarding the treatment the Iranian team would receive at the World Cup.

These conditions include, in particular, the granting of entry visas, respect for the Iranian team and flag, and the national anthem, as well as ensuring a high level of security at airports, hotels, and on the roads leading to the stadiums where the Iranian team will play.

Taj said on Saturday: "The team will travel to Turkey at the end of the week and will stay there for a period of ten to fifteen days (...) then we will look for a special flight to go to the United States."

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, confirmed that Iran will play its matches in the World Cup in the United States according to the plans already in place.

Iran, whose team is based in Tucson, Arizona for the tournament, will face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.