TEHRAN: Iran has officially confirmed its participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico later this year.
According to Iran’s Ministry of Sports, the national football team is fully prepared to compete in the global tournament scheduled to take place in the United States. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said that all necessary arrangements for participation have been completed.
Earlier, FIFA President had also confirmed that Iran would take part in the tournament despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Iran had already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on June 11 under a joint hosting arrangement by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s matches are scheduled to be played in the United States, with their opening group match on June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand. They will then face Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 27.
However, Iran’s football federation had recently requested FIFA to move its matches out of the United States due to ongoing tensions with the US and Israel. The request was rejected.
Former US President Donald Trump had earlier suggested that Iran’s participation in the US-hosted tournament would be inappropriate under current conditions. Iran strongly rejected such remarks, insisting that no country can exclude its national team from the World Cup.
Despite political tensions, FIFA has maintained that Iran will compete, while discussions had previously taken place regarding venue adjustments, which were ultimately not approved.
