Italy mooted as Iran says World Cup participation plans are ready
Iran’s government says it has completed preparations for the men’s national team to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, signalling intent to proceed despite recent security and diplomatic concerns.
Iran says state institutions are ready for the national team to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, a statement that reduces immediate uncertainty around one of the tournament’s most politically sensitive participants.Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the Ministry of Youth and Sports had ensured “all necessary arrangements” for the team’s participation, according to remarks carried by state broadcaster IRIB.The position matters commercially for FIFA and local organisers because team participation affects match operations, security planning, travel logistics, ticketing and hospitality, along with partner activation in host venues.FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also publicly backed Iran’s participation, linking it to FIFA’s stance on separating sport from geopolitics. Infantino said: “But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play.”Iran are scheduled to play three Group G matches in the United States, with two fixtures in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, and a tournament base in Tucson, Arizona.The situation had been complicated by the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, with Tehran previously raising the prospect of a boycott and asking FIFA to move Iran’s matches out of the United States to Mexico, a request FIFA rejected.US President Donald Trump said in March that Iran would be welcome at the tournament but questioned whether attending would be appropriate, citing concerns about players’ “life and safety.”Meanwhile, a top Trump envoy has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, seen as an attempt to heal wounds between the US President and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two have clashed over criticism of Pope Leo XIV's stance on the Iran war.U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT: "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."A fragile truce with Iran came into effect on April 8 and was later extended by the United States as diplomatic efforts continued, creating a narrower window for football authorities to lock operational plans before the tournament begins on June 11.Any increase in perceived risk typically pushes additional cost and complexity onto host city agencies and tournament organisers, including policing, secure transport, hotel security and team movement protocols, while also heightening reputational exposure for commercial partners operating in and around match venues.Iran’s statement does not remove the possibility of further governmental review closer to the tournament, but it does indicate that planning work is progressing on the assumption the team will travel and compete as scheduled.