Iran says ‘fully prepared’ for football team’s World Cup participation
TL;DR
Iran is fully prepared for its national football team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made for the team's effective performance.
Key points
- Iran is prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Preparations were confirmed by government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani
- The World Cup will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026
Mentioned in this story
Iran says that the country’s institutions are fully prepared for its national football team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In a statement made to state broadcaster IRIB, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Wednesday that the Ministry of Youth and Sports ensured all necessary arrangements for the team’s effective participation in the tournament.
She also said the preparations were made under the directive of the sport minister, with a focus on providing the required facilities for a successful performance.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on April 16 that Iran is expected to participate in the upcoming World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19, noting that the team has qualified and expressed its willingness to compete despite the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
“But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he said of the Iranian team’s upcoming matches scheduled in the United States in June.
“Sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said.
Group matches in the US
US President Donald Trump said in March that while Iran’s team would be welcome at the tournament, he questioned whether it would be appropriate for them to attend, citing concerns over their “life and safety”.
Iran is scheduled to play its three Group G matches in the United States – two in Los Angeles, one in Seattle – with their base for the tournament in Tucson, Arizona.
Iran’s participation in the global tournament being cohosted by the three North American countries had been thrown into doubt by the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Iran raised the prospect of a “boycott” of the competition before asking FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico, a request the world governing body rejected.
After several weeks of air strikes on Iran and Iranian reprisals against Israel and other countries in the region, a fragile truce came into effect on April 8.
The announcement of the two-week ceasefire was followed by rare direct talks in Islamabad on April 11–12, which ended without an agreement. The ceasefire was later extended by the US as diplomatic efforts continue.
The World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, starts on June 11.
Q&A
What preparations has Iran made for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Iran's Ministry of Youth and Sports has ensured all necessary arrangements for the national football team's participation in the World Cup.
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
What did FIFA President Gianni Infantino say about Iran's participation?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that Iran is expected to participate in the World Cup and emphasized the importance of the team representing their people.
