Iran confirms World Cup participation, seeks FIFA’s guarantee over team safety
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) says it has submitted a 10-point set of conditions to FIFA to ensure the safety of its delegation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins next month.
In a statement on Saturday, the FFIRI president, Mehdi Taj, confirmed that Iran would participate in the tournament but maintained that the United States, where the Islamic Republic is set to play all its group-stage matches, must ensure the safety of the Iranian team members.
“We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account. We will participate in the World Cup tournament, but without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”
Mr Taj had told state TV on Friday that the conditions Tehran was demanding include visas being granted and respect for the national team staff, the team’s flag and its national anthem during the tournament.
The country also demanded that team officials who have completed military service with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) receive visas and request high security at airports, hotels, and along routes to the stadiums where they will play.
However, the IRGC is currently listed as a terrorist organisation by the Canadian and American governments, leaving FIFA in a delicate position.
Meanwhile, the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that Iranian players would be allowed into the country but warned that individuals with IRGC links could face restrictions.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
My administration delivered 10,623 homes in seven years: Sanwo-Olu
The governor said his administration remained committed to improving access to homeownership.
Heading 2
Lagos police detain four officers over harassment of young man in Ikorodu
Mr Fatai had also ordered the disbandment of the tactical team.
States
AHIP, IOM train 50 stakeholders on safe migration in Kano
The director called for intensified public awareness campaigns to discourage irregular migration.
Sport
Nigeria beat defending champions North Korea 3-1 to reach Women’s U-17 World Cup knockout round
Oluwakemisola Adegbuyi opened the scoring for Nigeria 15 minutes into the match.
Education
Edo assembly moves to harmonise 39 education laws
Mr Okogbe said the reform would introduce merit-driven incentives and grants for public schools.
Heading 4
State Police: 24 state assemblies approve constitutional amendment
Mr Gbajabiamila said the approval provided constitutional backing for the policing framework.
