Italy’s repechage to the World Cup: sports minister of'Iran freezes everyone out
Iran’s presence at the 2026 World Cup remains in the balance, despite assurances from FIFA and the White House. Iran’s national soccer team is preparing for the tournament, but the final decision on the selection’s participation will be made by the government, according to Tehran’s Sports Minister. “If the safety of the national team’s players in the United States is guaranteed, we will leave for the World Cup,” Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali was quoted by Tasnim news agency on Tuesday.
The minister also clarified that the choice will be up to the government authorities together with the Supreme Council for National Security. Al Jazeera reports. The team is expected to play all matches of the tournament in the United States, one of the three host countries along with Canada and Mexico. However, participation has become uncertain since the start of the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran, which erupted on Feb. 28.
Donyamali, speaking to Iranian media, reiterated that the team would continue to train for the World Cup but did not rule out a forfeit: “The national team might not even participate in the World Cup, but if we were to take part in the tournament, we have to be ready.”
Last month, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) had asked FIFA to move the matches outside the United States, but the international body confirmed the planned schedule and ruled out the possibility. President Infantino had said he was optimistic, but the prolonged conflict seems to be pushing away the possibility of participation.
“We have to be ready, even if the decision might be not to go; but if we go, we have to present ourselves in the best way. From a professional point of view, our duty is to continue to work and prepare,” Donyamali continued.
FIFA will have to resolve this uncertain situation soon, by the end of April or early May, to ensure that 48 teams will participate in the tournament. Italy and other eliminated national teams that could take over from Iran await news.
