Iran says ‘fully prepared’ for World Cup participation in US

Iran’s government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Wednesday that the country is fully prepared for its national football team to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States. Speaking on state broadcaster IRIB, Mohajerani stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has ensured all necessary arrangements for the team’s effective participation, with preparations made under the directive of the sports minister to provide required facilities for a successful performance. The announcement comes despite ongoing hostilities between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance.

Conflict and humanitarian toll

Separately, Mohajerani noted that the health minister reported 40,000 injured people were treated free of charge during what she described as the “third imposed war.” Regional tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation against US assets across the Middle East. A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by rare direct talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, which ended without an agreement. The ceasefire was later extended as diplomatic efforts continue.

World Cup participation

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on April 16 that Iran is expected to participate in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, noting that the team has qualified and expressed willingness to compete despite the situation. US President Donald Trump said in March that while Iran’s team would be welcome, he questioned whether it would be appropriate for them to attend, citing concerns over their “life and safety.” For Türkiye, which has strong football ties with Iran and will also be competing in the World Cup, Iran’s participation is seen as a positive sign of normalcy amid regional conflict. Turkish fans and officials have previously called for keeping sports separate from politics.