Spokesperson for Tehran says “necessary arrangements” have been made for this summer’s tourmament
Iran are preparing for a “proud and successful participation” at this summer’s World Cup despite questions over their place at the tournament following tensions with the US in the Middle East, according to their national government.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani said the team’s preparations are fully supported by the sports ministry and confirmed plans for their participation in the tournament.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports made an announcement about the full preparedness of our national soccer team for presence in the 2026 World Cup in the US, by the order of the minister,” Mohejerani told Iranian state TV.
“The necessary arrangements that these dear ones need for the team’s proud and successful participation have been made.”
Figures from both Iran and the US have expressed doubt over the team’s participation but Fifa has continued to maintain that they will compete as scheduled.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino reiterated that stance last week saying that “the Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
“We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”
“I went to see them two weeks ago, they were having a training camp in Antalya. And they really want to play. And they should play, sports should be outside of politics.”
Iran have been continuing preparations despite disruptions to domestic football activity in the country due to the conflict. The team recently held training sessions in Tehran and warm-up matches in Turkey.
Fifa has also discussed arranging a foreign training camp for Iran ahead of the tournament, with Turkey seen as a possible location, though this has not been formally confirmed.
Iran are scheduled to arrive in Tucson, Arizona by 10 June as part of World Cup requirements. Their group-stage matches include games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in venues across the United States.
One unresolved issue is whether Iranian officials, including federation president Mehdi Taj, will be granted US visas after previous restrictions prevented him from attending the World Cup draw in Washington.
