Iran Confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 Amid Ongoing Regional War
Image Source: Internet
A leading soccer official in Asia says Iran is still set to play at the World Cup which kicks off in June in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In a social media post last week in reaction to comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, Iran’s national soccer team said “no one can exclude” it from playing in the global tournament.
Asian Football Confederation general secretary Windsor John said the sport's continental governing body has heard nothing to suggest Iran won't contest the World Cup.
“They are our member. We want them to play,” he told a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, where the AFC is based.
“As far as we know, Iran is playing.
Iran is set to play all three of its World Cup group games in the U.S., which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada.
The regional war has put doubt on Iran’s ability to fulfill its World Cup entry, and sports minister Ahmad Donyamali told state TV last week that the current circumstances meant it was not possible to play.
But the Iran team’s riposte on Instagram confirmed it still wants to participate, and pointed out that the tournament is run by FIFA, soccer's world governing body, not Trump or the U.S.
Iran is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 16 and Belgium on June 21, before finishing group play in Seattle against Egypt on June 27.
Iran is a power in Asian soccer, ranked No. 20 in the world by FIFA and has qualified for its fourth straight World Cup edition.
