Iran confirms World Cup preparations amid uncertainty over US participation

Tehran says arrangements complete while minister ties decision to security guarantees from host nation.

Iran's government said on Wednesday that all necessary arrangements have been made for the national football team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even as officials indicated a final decision depends on security assurances from the United States.³

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told state broadcaster IRIB that the Ministry of Youth and Sports ensured preparations for the team's effective participation in the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July across the US, Canada and Mexico.³ Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Thursday that Iran would travel to the World Cup "if the safety of the national team's players in the United States is ensured," adding that the decision would be made by the government and the Supreme National Security Council.¹

Iran's participation has been uncertain since a US-Israeli war on Iran began on 28 February.¹² A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between Tehran and Washington was nearing its deadline on Thursday.¹ All of Iran's group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in the US.⁵

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on 16 April that Iran is expected to participate, noting that the team has qualified and expressed willingness to compete.³ "But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play," Infantino said of the upcoming matches scheduled in the United States.³

Donyamali told Iranian media that the team would continue to train for the World Cup regardless of ongoing circumstances.¹

Separately, more than 120 civil society groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and Amnesty International issued a "travel advisory" on Thursday for foreigners attending the World Cup in the US, citing a "deteriorating human rights situation" and lack of guarantees from FIFA, host cities or the US government.⁴ Italian government officials also rejected suggestions that Italy could replace Iran at the tournament if the qualified team does not compete.⁵