Iran confirms full readiness for 2026 World Cup participation

Iran has confirmed that its national football team is fully prepared to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to a report by the Associated Press citing Iranian state television.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the Ministry of Youth and Sports has completed all necessary preparations to ensure the team’s successful participation in the tournament.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced the full readiness of the national football team to participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States. All necessary measures required for a successful performance have been taken,” she stated.

The announcement comes amid earlier reports that U.S. presidential envoy Paolo Zampolli had approached FIFA with a proposal to replace Iran in the tournament with Italy, which failed to qualify after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff round. The suggestion did not lead to any changes.

Iranian football authorities have consistently rejected the idea of withdrawing from the competition. On March 16, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said the team had no intention of pulling out of the World Cup. He also raised the possibility of moving Iran’s matches outside the United States, though FIFA dismissed the option and confirmed that no such adjustments would be made.

According to the official draw, Iran has been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The team is scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, marking the first time the tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries.

By Tamilla Hasanova