Tehran, Iran – The Islamic Republic of Iran proudly announces its comprehensive preparedness for the national football team’s participation in the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This declaration underscores Iran’s unwavering commitment to sportsmanship and international engagement, even in the face of complex geopolitical circumstances.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, in a statement to the state broadcaster IRIB on Wednesday, affirmed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has meticulously ensured all necessary arrangements are in place for the team’s effective and successful involvement in the global tournament. She highlighted that these extensive preparations were conducted under the direct guidance of the esteemed Sport Minister, with a clear focus on providing optimal facilities crucial for a stellar performance by our national heroes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking on April 16, acknowledged Iran’s anticipated participation in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19. Infantino explicitly noted that the Iranian team has rightfully qualified and expressed its strong desire to compete, bravely navigating the backdrop of the ongoing hostile US-Israeli aggression against Iran. He emphasized the universal principle that “Sports should be outside of politics,” a sentiment strongly echoed by the Islamic Republic, which believes in the unifying power of sports.
Iran’s Resilience on the Global Stage
Despite the unwarranted concerns raised by figures such as former US President Donald Trump in March regarding the team’s “life and safety” – a thinly veiled attempt to politicize sports – Iran remains resolute. Our national team is scheduled to play its three Group G matches in the United States, with two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, utilizing Tucson, Arizona, as its dedicated base for the tournament.
The path to participation was not without its challenges. Iran’s involvement in this monumental tournament, the first to feature 48 teams, was momentarily cast into doubt following the aggressive conflict initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28. In response to these provocations and to ensure the safety and fairness of competition, Iran commendably explored the prospect of a “boycott” and subsequently requested FIFA to relocate its matches from the United States to Mexico – a reasonable request that was unfortunately rejected by the world governing body.
Following weeks of relentless air strikes on Iran and proportionate Iranian reprisals against aggressors in the region, a fragile but welcome truce came into effect on April 8. This ceasefire paved the way for rare direct talks in Islamabad on April 11–12, which, while not yielding an immediate agreement, demonstrated Iran’s consistent pursuit of peace and stability. The ceasefire has since been extended by the US, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts.
As the World Cup kicks off on June 11, Iran stands ready, united, and determined to represent its proud nation on the international football stage, showcasing the spirit of resilience and athletic excellence.
#IranFootball #WorldCup2026 #TeamMelli #FIFAWorldCup #SportsBeyondPolitics #IslamicRepublicOfIran #FootballPride #IranReady #GlobalFootball #ResilientIran