Iran Declares ‘Full Readiness’ for World Cup Participation Amid Political Uncertainty
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Sports & Geopolitics
Iran has officially declared that it is “fully prepared” for its national football team to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, just days after the country’s sports minister publicly questioned the safety and viability of competing on U.S. soil. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told state broadcaster IRIB that the Ministry of Sports and Youth has made all necessary arrangements for the team’s participation, signaling a potential resolution to weeks of speculation .
“We are fully prepared to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The necessary arrangements have been made.” — Fatemeh Mohajerani, Iranian Government Spokesperson
The announcement comes as the fragile Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran holds, following President Donald Trump’s recent decision to extend the truce . Iran’s participation in the tournament, which is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, had been in doubt since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on February 28 .
The Shift in Position
Iran’s latest statement marks a significant shift from previous weeks, when Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali had repeatedly cast doubt on the team’s ability to travel to the United States.
Earlier this week, Donyamali told reporters that Iran’s World Cup participation was “not guaranteed,” stating that the ultimate decision rests with the government and potentially the National Security Council . He emphasized that the team would continue to train and prepare for the tournament regardless of the final decision, but warned: “In any case, it might be decided not to go” .
In late March, Donyamali had been even more definitive, telling the Islamic Republic News Agency that “the circumstances were inappropriate for Iranian competitors” and that the team would not participate in the upcoming event .
The reversal suggests that diplomatic efforts, including the extended ceasefire and ongoing negotiations, may have alleviated some of Tehran’s security concerns regarding travel to the United States.
Security Concerns Remain
Despite the declaration of readiness, Iranian officials have consistently linked their final decision to security guarantees for players on U.S. soil.
“If the safety of the national team’s players in the United States is ensured, we will travel to the World Cup,” Donyamali said earlier this week, as reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency . He noted that the decision will be made by “the government and the Supreme National Security Council” .
President Donald Trump had previously expressed reservations about Iran’s participation. In a Truth Social post last month, Trump wrote that while the Iranian team is “welcome to the World Cup,” he believed “it would not be appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety” . However, in a later meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump reportedly reversed course, stating that the Iranian team is “welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States” .
FIFA’s Position: ‘Iran Has to Come’
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has consistently backed Iran’s involvement in the tournament, despite the geopolitical tensions.
“Iran has to come,” Infantino said at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum in Washington, D.C. “Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play” .
Infantino noted that he recently visited the Iranian team at their training camp in Antalya, Turkey, where the players indicated they wanted to participate. “They should play — sports should be outside of politics,” he said .
FIFA has rejected Iran’s previous request to move its matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments . All of Iran’s group stage matches remain scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle.
World Cup Schedule and Group
Iran has qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament and is placed in Group G, alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt . According to the current schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2026 | New Zealand | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| June 21, 2026 | Belgium | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles |
| June 26, 2026 | Egypt | Lumen Field, Seattle |
Should Iran advance to the knockout stages, all subsequent matches would also be held in the United States .
Preparations Underway
Despite the uncertainty, Iran’s national team has moved forward with its preparation plans. A training camp began on April 20 in Tehran, bringing together 30 players from the domestic league . The camp is scheduled to run for approximately two weeks, with players returning home after daily sessions to maintain optimal physical balance.
The team is scheduled to travel to Turkey on May 12, where foreign-based players will join the group. The Turkey camp will serve as the main preparation hub, with plans for five friendly matches — three during the camp and two during official FIFA windows .
The Ceasefire Context
Iran’s declaration of readiness comes as the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, remains in effect. President Trump extended the ceasefire earlier this week, citing the need to allow Tehran’s leadership more time to formulate a unified proposal for negotiations .
The extension has created a diplomatic window that may have influenced Iran’s decision to declare its team ready for the tournament. However, with the ceasefire still fragile and the underlying political tensions unresolved, questions about Iran’s actual participation may persist until the team boards its flight to North America.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Has Iran officially confirmed it will play in the World Cup?
Iran’s government spokesperson announced that the country is “fully prepared” to participate. However, the final decision remains subject to government and National Security Council approval, with security guarantees for players on U.S. soil being a key factor .
2. Why was Iran’s participation in doubt?
The outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on February 28 raised security concerns about the team traveling to the United States. Iran’s sports minister had previously stated that the team would not participate due to the “inappropriate circumstances” .
3. What did President Trump say about Iran playing in the World Cup?
Trump initially expressed reservations, saying he did not believe it was “appropriate” for Iran to play “for their own life and safety.” However, he later reversed course, telling FIFA President Infantino that Iran is “welcome to compete” .
4. What is FIFA’s position on Iran’s participation?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has consistently stated that Iran “has to come” to the World Cup, emphasizing that sports should be separate from politics. FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to move its matches from the U.S. to Mexico .
5. Who is in Iran’s World Cup group?
Iran is in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. Their matches are scheduled for June 15 (New Zealand), June 21 (Belgium), and June 26 (Egypt), all in the United States .
6. Is the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran still in effect?
Yes. President Trump extended the ceasefire earlier this week, and it remains in effect as diplomatic negotiations continue .
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