Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is confirmed by the Iranian Football Federation, with its president stating the tournament is a “major diplomatic asset” despite ongoing regional tensions. According to reporting from South Africa and Malaysia, Mehdi Taj says Iran will take part in the tournament this summer, even as the Middle East remains affected by conflict. The Iranian Football Federation also sets out 10 conditions for Iran’s participation, which it frames as part of how it engages with the tournament in a politically sensitive environment. While the sources do not specify every operational detail of those conditions, both accounts present the same core message: Iran will attend the World Cup and the federation views participation as strategically valuable beyond sport. The reporting also reflects that the announcement is made in the context of heightened diplomatic and security concerns, but with the federation emphasizing readiness to compete subject to its stated requirements. No further changes to the schedule or qualification status are described in the available summaries.