Italy repechage to World Cup: tremendous blow for Iran, no trip to America
Uncertainty over the actual participation in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico, which ended up in the balance after the war erupted in late February in the Persian Gulf, is not enough.
The Iranian national team has to deal with yet another problem that further complicates the current situation.
Ali Gholizadeh, one of the stars of CT Ghalenoei’s team, seriously injured his knee in a Polish league match and will be forced to miss the World Cup. Lech Poznan’s outside striker was injured during the match against Motor Lublin and ended his season early.
According to TVP Sport reports, it could not have been worse for Gholizadeh, who will have to be out of action for about 8 months and will probably not extend his contract with the Polish club. It was a tremendous blow for Team Melli: Gholizadeh was considered one of the most in-form players, and in April he had won the Polish league’s Best Footballer of the Month award.
On the political front, pending talks with FIFA scheduled in less than two weeks in Zurich, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei reassured the team, “I came to the athletes to keep them away from politics. Regardless of political discussions and issues related to the talks, the World Cup host government is required to carry out its duties according to regulations. Everything is in place and for now we are focused on sports.”
“We hope that the national team’s presence at the World Cup will become an opportunity for the unity of the Iranian nation. We do not have diplomatic relations with the United States, but our office in Washington is ready to provide assistance. This is a national issue, and regardless of political views, everyone who cares about Iran is working to promote the country’s sports. We hope that the national team’s participation in the World Cup will become an opportunity for reunification for the nation.
Everything comes down to the meeting with FIFA in Zurich: Italy, like other eliminated nations, is waiting for the final outcome, which should conclude months of back-and-forth between Tehran, Washington and the Federation.
