Italy’s repechage to World Cup: unexpected decision by Iran gives another clue

Another hint has arrived about Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The presence of Tehran’s selection had been in doubt due to the ongoing war with the United States, and after FIFA rejected Iran’s request to move the group matches scheduled in the U.S. to Mexico.

In recent days there has been a tentative détente between Iran and the U.S. on this issue: from the White House they have let it be known that they expect the selection to participate in the tournament, and FIFA President Infantino has also reiterated this.

Iran has not yet officially confirmed its presence at the World Cup, but another official announcement brings it closer to the World Cup: the Tehran Federation has again confirmed its confidence in Amir Ghalenoei, technical commissioner of the senior national team. Ghalenoei himself had hinted that the Iranian national team might have a new coach at the end of the World Cup. However, the federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, has decided to extend the current coach’s contract.

In statements reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Mehdi Taj said, “Amir Ghalenoei will remain the national team’s chief technical commissioner during and after the World Cup,” is Tehran’s indirect confirmation of the World Cup review.

“There is no problem regarding Ghalenoei’s presence at the helm of the team. We are very satisfied with his work. He simply tries to emphasize that he leaves the final decision to the federation, but he is actually managing the national team excellently.”