Iran's World Cup participation uncertain as government weighs security concerns

Tehran says team is prepared but final decision rests with security council as fragile ceasefire with US nears deadline.

Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains undecided as the country's government evaluates security risks for its national team, which is scheduled to play all group-stage matches in the United States. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said Thursday that Iran will only travel to the tournament if player safety in the US is ensured, with the final decision resting with Iran's government and Supreme National Security Council rather than football authorities.¹

The uncertainty follows the outbreak of war between the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, with doubts persisting as a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire approaches its Thursday deadline.¹² Donyamali told Iranian media that the team will continue training for the World Cup regardless of ongoing diplomatic developments.¹

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated Wednesday that Iran's Ministry of Youth and Sports has made all necessary arrangements for the team's participation, including facilities for what she described as a successful performance.³ She said preparations were completed under the sport minister's directive.³

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said April 16 that Iran is expected to participate in the tournament, which runs June 11 to July 19, noting the team has qualified and players want to compete despite the conflict.³ But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play, Infantino said of Iran's scheduled US matches.³

The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, faces broader scrutiny beyond Iran's participation. More than 120 civil society groups led by the ACLU and Amnesty International issued a travel advisory Thursday warning of what they called a deteriorating human rights situation in the US.⁴ The tournament expects between five and ten million visitors.⁴