Eclipsed by Bosnia after suffering from the comparison with Norway during the qualifying phase of the Europe zone for the 2026 World Cup, Italy still retained hope of joining the competition this summer across the Atlantic. Via a draft linked to the defection of a committed nation.
Obviously, in view of the international context, this possibility depended only on the participation or not of Iran. However, the selection in question has confirmed its intention to participate in the tournament. If Tehran has set its conditions for this – and in particular respect on American soil for its flag and its anthem, the president of the Iranian Football Federation confirmed the news this weekend.
“ We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the host countries must take our concerns into accountsays Mehdi Taj in a press release. We will participate in the tournament but without giving up our beliefs, our culture and our convictions. No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a competition for which it qualified with merit. »
Infantino confirms Iran’s commitment
This is of course a diplomatic posture, but Iran benefits from the support of FIFA in its grievances. “ To begin with, I want to confirm unambiguously that Iran will obviously participate in the 2026 World Cup. And of course, Iran will play in the United States », insisted last week Gianni Ifantino, the boss of the international federation, during a FIFA congress organized in Vancouver, Canada.
During the World Cup, Iran will be based in Tucson, Arizona. The group stage provides Team Melli with duels with New Zealand (June 16), Belgium (June 21) and Egypt (June 27). The first two matches in Inglewood, California, the third in Seattle, Washington.
