TEHRAN, Iran: Iran is fully prepared to send its national football team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced Wednesday, even as diplomatic tensions simmer between the two nations following months of military confrontation.
Speaking on state broadcaster IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting), Mohajerani confirmed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has secured all necessary arrangements for the team’s participation in the global showpiece.
“All preparations have been made under the directive of the sports minister, with a focus on providing the required facilities for a successful performance,” Mohajerani told IRIB.
Iran says its national team is fully prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, insisting all arrangements are in place despite regional conflict and political tensions surrounding its participationhttps://t.co/YeaO1TC7tp
— TRT World (@trtworld) April 22, 2026
War wounded treated as ‘third imposed war’ continues
Mohajerani revealed that Iran’s health minister reported 40,000 injured people had received free medical treatment during what she described as the “third imposed war”, a reference to ongoing hostilities with the United States and Israel.
Regional tensions exploded after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on American assets and bases across the Middle East. The conflict has since claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands more.
Ceasefire holds as diplomacy stumbles
A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by rare direct talks between Iranian and US officials in Islamabad on April 11-12. Those negotiations ended without any agreement, though the ceasefire was later extended by the United States as diplomatic efforts by Pakistan continue behind the scenes.
FIFA confirms Iran’s participation
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on April 16 that Iran is expected to compete in the World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19 in the United States. Infantino noted that the team has qualified and expressed its willingness to participate despite the volatile geopolitical situation.
“Iran has qualified and wants to play,” Infantino told reporters.
Trump questions safety, but welcomes team
US President Donald Trump said in March that while Iran’s team would be “welcome” at the tournament, he questioned whether it would be appropriate for them to attend, citing concerns over their “life and safety.”
Despite the diplomatic frost, Mohajerani insisted that Iran’s footballers are ready to take the field. “Our team will represent the nation with pride,” she said.
The World Cup appearance would mark Iran’s seventh participation in football’s biggest tournament. However, the political backdrop, including active hostilities, an uneasy ceasefire, and unresolved diplomatic tensions, makes this the most fraught World Cup campaign in the nation’s history.
