Iran’s football coach confirms participation in the 2026 World Cup

Iran’s national football team plans to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US despite ongoing military and political tensions.

The national team coach, Amir Ghalenoei, told the Iranian news agency, IRNA:

There is currently no reason preventing us from participating. God willing, we will participate.

He added that the Iranian Football Federation is actively continuing preparations, including playing friendly matches in preparation for the tournament.

In the same context, Iran sports minister, Ahmad Doniamali, expressed optimism about the possibility of participation, provided the ceasefire between the warring parties holds.

He said:

The more normal the situation becomes, the more likely participation is.

Doniamali added, in statements carried by IRNA on Monday, that “the more normal the situation becomes, the more likely participation is”, indicating that the decision is linked to political and security stability.

Iran prioritises player and coaching staff safety

In the same context, the national team coach stressed the need to ensure the safety of the players and coaching staff should the tournament be held in the US, given the current circumstances.

These developments coincide with direct negotiations held in Islamabad between Iran and the US at the end of last week, which failed to produce any tangible results.

The final decision regarding participation is expected to be referred to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

US president, Donald Trump, had expressed doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup, while reports indicated that FIFA rejected an Iranian proposal to move the team’s matches to Mexico.

Iran’s national team is scheduled to play its group stage matches against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Seattle and Los Angeles.

Featured image via the Gulf Observer