Iran Awaits FIFA Guarantees For World Cup Participation
ANTALYA, April 5 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Iran announced Sunday that it would await FIFA's guarantees for participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
"Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response. If accepted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded," Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali told Anadolu about Iran's negotiations with FIFA to play its 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Mexico instead of in the US.
Donyamali said Iranian national football players have been continuing World Cup preparations. “As the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian Football Federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will be made by our government," he added.
The security of any national team participating in the World Cup abroad should be guaranteed by FIFA; if not, FIFA should not allow the World Cup matches to be played in the US, he said.
"Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low. But, if the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government will make the decision on Iran's participation in the World Cup," he added.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, will be held from June 11 to July 19. Iran will play its group matches in the US.
Donyamali stated, “Iran will resist to the end and will continue its resistance as long as the blockades, sanctions and embargoes remain in place."
Noting that Iran has conditions for ending the war, he said, “If our compensation is not paid, if the sanctions are not lifted, and if the Americans do not leave the region, we will continue to resist."
Donyamali stated that sports facilities in Iran have also been targeted in the war that started Feb. 28 when Israel and the US attacked Iran.
“Many of our sports facilities were targeted. Sports facilities where international athletes have competed before are also being targeted.
"Even though our infrastructure is targeted, we will build better ones. Universities and civilian areas are also being targeted," he added.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
