Iran is fully prepared to participate in the 2026 World Cup, according to government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani. This statement indicates a shift in Iran's stance amid ongoing regional tensions.
Key points
Iran is fully prepared for the 2026 World Cup.
Fatemeh Mohajerani made the announcement to state broadcaster IRIB.
Iran's participation was previously in doubt due to regional conflicts.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has made arrangements for Team Melli.
Iran has not formally withdrawn from the tournament.
Mentioned in this story
Iranian governmentMinistry of Youth and Sports
Team Melli2026 World Cup
Iran is "fully prepared" to play at the 2026 World Cup according to Fatemeh Mohajerani, a spokeswoman for the Iranian government.
The comments, which Mohajerani made to state broadcaster IRIB, were the clearest indication yet that Iran is planning on traveling to the United States for the tournament this summer.
Iran's participation has been in doubt since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes in late February, igniting a conflict across the Middle East that has not fully abated.
Per Al Jazeera, Mohajerani said that Iran's Ministry of Youth and Sports had made all the required arrangements for Team Melli to participate in the World Cup.
Last month, Iran's sports minister declared that "under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup." But the country has yet to formally withdraw and appears to be softening its stance.
Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the World Cup, and is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Spain – 17th appearance
Brazil – 23rd appearance
United States of America – 12th appearance
Q&A
Is Iran officially participating in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Iran has stated it is fully prepared to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
What led to doubts about Iran's participation in the World Cup?
Doubts arose following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel in February, which escalated regional conflicts.
What arrangements has Iran made for the World Cup?
Iran's Ministry of Youth and Sports has reportedly made all necessary arrangements for Team Melli's participation.
Has Iran formally withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup?
No, Iran has not formally withdrawn and appears to be softening its previous stance against participation.
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As a workaround, Iran requested that its games in the U.S. would be moved to Mexico. But Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed earlier this month that FIFA rejected that request.
Still, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence that Iran would play all of its matches in the U.S. as scheduled.
"The Iranian team is coming, for sure. Yes. We hope that by then of course the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come," Infantino said last week at the Invest in America Forum.
