The Iranian football federation affirmed on Saturday that the men's national team would indeed participate in the 2026 World Cup, while demanding that the host countries - the United States, Mexico and Canada - accept its conditions in the context of the war in the Middle East.

This request comes after Canada last month refused entry to the president of the Iranian federation ahead of the FIFA Congress, due to his links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated as a terrorist organization by Ottawa in 2024.

Iran's participation in the tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, has been surrounded by uncertainty since the outbreak of war in the Middle East in late February following strikes by the United States and Israel.

"We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the host countries must take our concerns into account," the Iranian federation said on its official website.

"We will participate in the tournament but without renouncing our beliefs, our culture and our convictions," she added, asserting that "no outside power can deprive Iran of its participation in a competition for which it has deservedly qualified."

The federation's president, Mehdi Taj, said on Friday that Tehran had set 10 conditions for participating in the event, demanding guarantees on the treatment of the country.

These conditions include the granting of visas and respect for the staff, the Iranian flag and the national anthem.

Tehran is also demanding a high level of security in airports, hotels and on the routes leading to the stadiums where the team will play.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that Iranian footballers would be welcome, but warned that the United States might refuse entry to some members of the Iranian delegation who have links with the Revolutionary Guards, which are also classified as a terrorist organization by Washington.

"All players and technical staff members, especially those who have completed their military service within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (...) must obtain visas without any problems," demanded the president of the Iranian federation.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will play its World Cup matches in the United States as planned.

Iran, which is to be based in Tucson, Arizona, will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G.