Iran confirms ‘proud participation’ in World Cup despite conflict with US | OneFootball

Iran’s men’s national soccer team is preparing for "proud and successful participation" in its World Cup games in the United States this summer, a government spokesperson has confirmed.

The team’s ability and willingness to travel to North America for the tournament, which begins on 11 June, has been in question following military attacks launched by the US and Israel on 28 February.

However, 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."

Fifa has consistently maintained that Iran would adhere to the World Cup schedule decided last December, rejecting suggestions to play the team’s matches in Mexico.

Gianni Infantino has always maintained Iran will play at the World Cup (Getty)

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.

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.

Ms Mohejerani added that "the necessary arrangements that these dear ones need for the team’s proud and successful participation, (have been made)."

Mr 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. Fifa has not yet confirmed details of any organized camp.

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.

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.

Mr 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 Mr 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.