An Iranian government representative announced that the men’s national soccer team is gearing up for a “proud and successful participation” in the upcoming World Cup games in the United States.
Concerns about Iran‘s participation in the World Cup, which kicks off in North America on June 11, have emerged following military actions by the U.S. and Israel that began on February 28.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that our national football team is fully prepared to participate in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., as directed by the minister,” stated Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani during a broadcast on state television.
FIFA has reiterated that Iran will adhere to the World Cup schedule established last December and has dismissed any proposals suggesting that the team might play their matches in Mexico.
Positive developments were noted on March 31 when FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with Iranian soccer officials and players in Turkey, where the team participated in two warm-up matches.
Despite the ongoing conflict causing a shutdown of the Iranian soccer league, the team’s official Instagram account shared images from a practice session in Tehran this week.
Mohejerani further elaborated on Wednesday, stating that “the necessary arrangements for these valued players to ensure their proud and successful participation have been made.”
Infantino had assured the Iranian team three weeks ago that he would assist in securing a training camp abroad for them to prepare for the World Cup. A potential location for this camp could be Turkey, where Iran played friendly matches last month against Nigeria and Costa Rica.
FIFA did not immediately provide details on the potential training camp arrangement on Wednesday.
Iran is set to play two group-stage matches at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium in Inglewood, facing New Zealand and Belgium, before taking on Egypt in Seattle.
The team is scheduled to arrive at its training camp in Tucson, Arizona, by June 10 at the latest, which is at least five days ahead of their first match, in accordance with FIFA’s World Cup regulations.
A crucial issue still to be addressed is the U.S. government granting entry visas to the Iranian delegation, including soccer federation president Mehdi Taj.
Taj, who also serves as a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, was previously denied entry to the World Cup draw held in Washington D.C. in December, where Infantino presented the FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Mexico and Canada will co-host the 48-nation tournament, which will take place until July 19.