Iran Seeks FIFA Guarantees for 2026 World Cup Participation Amid Ongoing Tensions
Iran's World Cup Participation in Question
Tehran, Iran - On Sunday, Iranian officials reiterated their demand for assurances from FIFA regarding their participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. They also confirmed that their request to move the tournament matches from the United States to Mexico remains active, despite the lack of a response from FIFA.
Having qualified for the 48-team tournament, Iran is placed in Group G and is set to play its matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's Sports Minister, stated, “Our request to FIFA for relocating Iran's matches to Mexico is still on the table, but we have yet to hear back. If our request is granted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be assured. However, we are still waiting for FIFA's response.”
He emphasized that while the players are preparing for the World Cup, the ultimate decision regarding participation rests with the government. “As the Sports Minister, I, along with the Iranian Football Federation, will ensure the team is ready. However, the final call will be made by our government,” he added.
Donyamali criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about the safety of the Iranian team during the World Cup, labeling them as “contradictory.” He remarked, “Trump's statements are inconsistent and morally unbalanced. According to FIFA regulations, security must be guaranteed in the host country. With the World Cup approaching, providing such guarantees is questionable.”
The minister insisted that FIFA must ensure the safety of all teams participating in the World Cup. If they cannot, he argued, Iran's matches should not be held in the U.S. “Given the current situation, the likelihood of Iran playing in the U.S. is very slim. However, if security guarantees are provided, our government will make the final decision on our participation,” he stated.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Addressing the international sports community's response to Russia's bans following the Ukraine conflict, Donyamali pointed out the lack of similar actions against Israel, which he claims is supported by the U.S. He expressed hope for a more equitable approach in the world of sports.
“Israel receives U.S. backing. Despite Iran facing attacks over the past nine months, the double standards are evident. The situation in Gaza, where over 80,000 people have died, reflects this inconsistency. I hope for fair play in sports,” he remarked.
On the failure of international organizations to hold Israel accountable for its actions, he stated, “The UN Security Council and other international bodies are applying double standards, often siding with the aggressor while remaining silent on the victim's plight. This indicates a failure of the international community.”
Donyamali acknowledged Turkey's support for Palestine and its efforts to end the blockade on Gaza. He affirmed Iran's commitment to resist until sanctions and blockades are lifted, stating, “We will continue our resistance as long as these conditions persist.”
He also mentioned that many sports facilities in Iran have been targeted, but vowed to improve infrastructure despite these challenges. “Even though our facilities are under attack, we will build better ones,” he said.
In a show of solidarity, Iranian national team players wore black armbands and carried school backpacks during a pre-match ceremony before their friendly against Nigeria, symbolizing the loss of children due to conflict. Donyamali expressed gratitude to Turkey for accurately portraying this message, emphasizing the strengthening of relations between the two nations.