Iran has said it is fully prepared for its national football team to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, signalling confidence that the squad will compete despite heightened regional tensions and political uncertainty.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Wednesday that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has completed all necessary arrangements to ensure the team’s effective participation in the tournament.
Speaking on state broadcaster IRIB, she said preparations were carried out under the direct guidance of the sports minister, with a focus on providing all facilities needed for a strong performance on football’s biggest stage.
“The necessary arrangements have been made for the team’s successful participation,” she said.
Iran has already secured qualification for the tournament, which will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Politics shadow the pitch
The announcement comes as tensions remain high following the US and Israel’s joint strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on American military assets across the Middle East.
A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8 and later extended by Washington after rare direct talks between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11–12 ended without a breakthrough.
The conflict has raised questions about whether Iran’s team would face complications travelling to or competing in the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on April 16 that Iran is expected to participate, noting that the team has qualified and expressed its willingness to compete despite the ongoing crisis.
US President Donald Trump also said in March that Iran would be welcome at the tournament, but questioned whether it would be appropriate for players to attend, citing concerns over their “life and safety.”
Domestic pressures continue
Separately, Mohajerani said Iran’s health minister reported that 40,000 injured people had received free medical treatment during what she described as the country’s “third imposed war,” a reference to the recent regional conflict.
Her comments underscored how sport and politics remain closely intertwined as Iran prepares for one of its biggest international sporting appearances while navigating ongoing military and diplomatic pressures.
For now, Tehran is making clear that, despite the tensions, it expects its team to be on the field when the World Cup kicks off next summer.
