Iran Confirms Participation in 2026 World Cup Amid U.S. and Italian Reactions to Trump’s Proposal

Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been confirmed by government officials despite ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic pressure from the United States. Fatemeh Mohajerani, a spokesperson for the Iranian government, stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has completed all necessary arrangements for Team Melli to compete in the tournament this summer.

The confirmation comes after earlier threats to boycott the World Cup followed military actions by the U.S. And Israel in late February, which escalated conflict across the Middle East. Iran’s sports minister had previously declared that “under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” but the government has since reversed its position without formally withdrawing from qualification.

Iran was among the first nations to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament and is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in the United States. The team is set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Despite Iran’s request to have its matches moved to Mexico due to security concerns, FIFA rejected the proposal. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the governing body declined Iran’s appeal to relocate its games. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has consistently maintained that Iran will play all scheduled matches in the U.S. As originally planned.

Infantino expressed confidence in Iran’s participation during recent remarks, stating, “The Iranian team is coming, for sure. Yes. We hope that by then of course the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come.” He made the comments at the Invest in America Forum, where he also highlighted his prior recognition of U.S. President Donald Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize in December.

Diplomatic efforts have continued behind the scenes, including a meeting on March 31 between Infantino and Iranian soccer leaders and players in Turkey, where the national team had been conducting warm-up games. Infantino has previously pledged to assist in finding an overseas training camp for Iran, potentially in Turkey, where they recently played against Nigeria and Costa Rica.

Although Iran’s domestic soccer league has been suspended during the ongoing conflict, the team’s official Instagram account recently shared images of a training session in Tehran, indicating continued preparation. Mohajerani emphasized that “the necessary arrangements that these dear ones need for the team’s proud and successful participation have been made,” reinforcing the government’s commitment to the tournament.

U.S. Officials have also weighed in on the matter. A senior envoy from the Trump administration reportedly urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup draw amid the regional conflict. However, FIFA’s response has effectively ended such discussions, with Infantino affirming Iran’s right to participate based on qualification.

Iran’s confirmation adds clarity to one of the more uncertain storylines heading into the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11. As one of the early qualifiers, Team Melli’s presence in North America will now proceed as scheduled, barring any unforeseen developments.