GENEVA, Switzerland (AP) – Iranian government spokesperson speaks men’s national team is preparing for a “proud and successful participation” in the World Cup matches to be held in the United States.
Iran’s capabilities and willingness to participate world cup Since the United States and Israel launched a military offensive on February 28th, the status of infections across North America since June 11th has been unclear.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced that, by order of the minister, the national soccer team is fully prepared to participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States,” Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejelani said on Iranian state television on Wednesday.
FIFA Iran has consistently said it will stick to the World Cup schedule decided in December last year and has rejected any negotiations. suggestion A look at the team’s games in Mexico.
Progress was made on March 31 when FIFA president Gianni Infantino traveled to Turkey to meet Iranian soccer leaders and players, with two teams present. Warm up game.
Iran’s soccer league was closed during the war, but the team’s official Photos posted by Instagram accounts this week A scene from training in Tehran.
Mohejelani added on Wednesday that “the necessary arrangements needed by these dear people (have been made) for the pride and successful participation of the team.”
Infantino promised Iran three weeks ago that he would help Iran find a training camp abroad to prepare for the World Cup. It could also happen in Turkey, where Iran played warm-up games against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Antalya last month.
FIFA did not immediately confirm details on Wednesday about the possibility of a camp being organized.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (center) watches a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, southern Turkey, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Liza Ozer)
Iran will play two group stage games against New Zealand and Belgium at the Los Angeles Rams Stadium in Inglewood, before playing Egypt in Seattle.
The team is scheduled to arrive at training camp in Tucson, Ariz., by June 10, but at least five days before the first game, as required by FIFA’s World Cup rules.
A key issue to be resolved is the US government granting entry visas to the Iranian delegation, including soccer federation president Mehdi Taj. Although he is vice president of the Asian soccer body, he was barred from attending the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., in December, where Infantino presented a medal to US President Donald Trump. The specially created FIFA Peace Prize.
Mexico and Canada are co-hosting the 48-nation tournament, which runs until July 19.
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