Despite previous uncertainty, Iran now says it is fully prepared for the 2026 World Cup.
Iran are part of the confirmed 48-team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and while previous uncertainty surrounded their participation due to security concerns about playing in the United States, the Iranian government now says the country is fully prepared for the tournament.The latest update comes after Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali addressed the situation following comments from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who said: “The Iranian team is definitely coming.”
FIFA’s position and how to organize the tournament
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the issue on April 15 at CNBC’s Invest in America forum, confirming that Iran will participate in the tournament.He added, “The Iranian team is definitely coming,” expressing his hope that “the situation will become peaceful by then.”Infantino stressed that the players deserve to compete, noting that they “represent their people” and deserved their place. “They really want to play, and they have to play,” he added, reiterating his view that sport should remain separate from politics.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino watches a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Riza Ozel)
This situation is consistent with the way the tournament was organized. The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, and will be the largest in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches participating.
Of these matches, 78 will be played in the United States, including all matches from the quarter-finals onwards and the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Canada and Mexico will host 13 matches each, with a total of 16 venues in the three countries – 11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
Why are match locations in Iran becoming a problem?
With the United States hosting the majority of matches, Iran’s entire group stage schedule is currently scheduled there.
They are in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with the matches scheduled to be played on the West Coast of the United States. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 16 at Sophie Stadium in California, Belgium at the same venue on June 21, and Egypt on June 27 at Lumen Field in Seattle. If they qualify, any knockout matches will also be played in the United States, given how the bracket is structured.
Iranian players pose for a photographer before a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Turkey, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Riza Ozel)
This prompted the Iranian Football Federation to officially request the change.
Federation President Mehdi Taj confirmed that discussions with FIFA included the possibility of moving those matches to Mexico if security guarantees are not provided.
Request to transfer matches and FIFA’s response
Mexico indicated that it was open to hosting Iran’s matches, but the request did not lead to any change. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed at a press conference in Mexico City that FIFA had rejected the proposal. “FIFA ultimately decided that matches could not be moved from their original locations,” she said.
He added: “This will make logistical matters very complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA.” This decision effectively kept Iran’s matches in the United States on the current schedule.
Statements of the US President and Infantino’s position
The situation was also affected by comments from US President Donald Trump. On March 11, 2026, he posted on Truth Social in response to reports that Iran might not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, saying that Iran was “welcome” to attend, but also suggesting that they stay away “for their lives and safety.”Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino stuck to his guns. After meeting with Iranian players, coaches and officials in Türkiye on March 31, he reiterated that the matches would be held as planned.
The position of the Iranian government
Inside Iran, the approach has shifted from caution to more apparent preparedness. Sports and Youth Minister Ahmed Dunyamali told reporters earlier on Tuesday, April 21, that discussions are continuing through the committee process.He said: “We discussed the national team itself and the team’s situation, and we also formed a committee.” “Today we also have a meeting within the framework of this discussion, and we are doing our legal duty.”He added that participation and non-participation are still on the table: “We must be prepared. In any case, it may be decided not to go. If it is decided to go, we must be prepared anyway, so that our presence, if it must be, is a strong presence.”
He also indicated that the final decision will depend on “the circumstances that exist today, with the government and perhaps with the National Security Council.”However, the new update points to a more stable trend. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Wednesday in a statement to IRIB that Iranian institutions are now fully prepared for the national team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.She added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports had prepared all the necessary arrangements for the team’s participation, indicating that the preparations were made under the guidance of the Minister of Sports, with a focus on providing the facilities required for a successful performance.
Record qualifications and current status
Iran secured qualification in March 2025 by finishing top of its group in the Asian qualifiers, becoming one of the first teams to book their place in the tournament.
They have participated in six previous World Cups, including the 2022 edition in Qatar.At present, Iran’s participation remains officially the same, with matches being scheduled and FIFA dealing with confirming their venue. While previous statements indicated that the final decision depended on evolving circumstances and approval at a higher level, a more recent government update indicates that Iranian institutions are now fully prepared for the national team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, signaling a shift towards preparedness rather than uncertainty.
