AA / Istanbul / Sahin Demir

Iran is fully prepared for the participation of its national football team in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Wednesday.

Speaking on the public channel IRIB, Mohajerani stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports had taken all necessary measures to ensure the team’s effective participation in the tournament.

She added that these preparations had been carried out under the direction of the Minister of Sports, with a focus on providing the necessary facilities for a successful performance.

Additionally, Mohajerani reported that the Health Minister had stated that 40,000 injured individuals had been treated for free during what she described as the “third imposed war.”

Regional tensions escalated after the United States and Israel conducted joint strikes against Iran on February 28, leading to retaliatory attacks from Tehran against American installations and bases in the Middle East.

A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by rare direct talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, which ended without an agreement. The ceasefire was then extended by the United States as diplomatic efforts continue.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared on April 16 that Iran should participate in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, emphasizing that the team had qualified and expressed its willingness to compete despite the current situation.

US President Donald Trump stated in March that while the Iranian team would be welcome at the tournament, he questioned the opportunity for their participation, citing concerns about their “life and security.”

*Translated from English by Wafae El Baghouani