Iran’s men’s national soccer team is preparing for a “proud and successful participation” in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, a government spokesperson has confirmed. The team’s ability to travel to North America for the tournament, which starts on 11 June, had been in question following US and Israeli military attacks on 28 February.
Government Confirmation
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani told state TV on Wednesday: “The Ministry of Youth and Sports made an announcement about the full preparedness of our national soccer team for presence in the 2026 World Cup in the US, by the order of the minister.” She added that all necessary arrangements for the team’s proud and successful participation have been made.
FIFA’s Role
FIFA has consistently maintained that Iran would adhere to the World Cup schedule decided last December, rejecting suggestions to move Iran’s matches to Mexico. Progress was made on 31 March when FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Iranian soccer leaders and players in Turkey, where the team had been playing warm-up games. Infantino had previously pledged to help find an overseas training camp for the team, potentially in Turkey, where they played Nigeria and Costa Rica last month.
Match Schedule and Logistics
Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage matches at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium in Inglewood against New Zealand and Belgium, before facing Egypt in Seattle. The team is expected to arrive at its training camp in Tucson, Arizona, by 10 June, fulfilling FIFA’s requirement of arriving at least five days before their first game. Although the Iranian soccer league has been suspended during the conflict, the team’s official Instagram account recently posted images of a practice session in Tehran.
Visa Hurdles
A significant hurdle remains the US government’s issuance of entry visas for the Iranian delegation, including Mehdi Taj, the president of the soccer federation. Taj, who also serves as a vice president of the Asian soccer body, was previously denied entry to the World Cup draw in December in Washington D.C., an event where Infantino presented the specially created FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump. The 48-nation tournament, co-hosted by Mexico and Canada, is set to conclude on 19 July.
