Iran has confirmed its participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the country’s government announcing that its national football team is fully prepared for the mega event. According to reports, Iran’s government spokesperson, Fatima Mojahed, stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has completed all necessary arrangements for the team’s successful participation in the tournament.
Mojahed also revealed that the preparations were made under the guidance of the Sports Minister, with the aim of providing the team with the best possible facilities. This announcement comes after FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his confidence that Iran would participate in the World Cup, saying that “Iran is coming, they represent their people, players want to play. Sports should be separated from politics.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with matches scheduled to take place from June 6 to July 11. Iran will be part of Group G, where it will face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three of Iran’s group stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup had been in doubt after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. The country had threatened to boycott the tournament and requested FIFA to relocate the matches from the United States to Mexico, but the request was rejected.
Iran will be one of the 48 teams participating in the World Cup, marking the first time in the tournament’s history that the number of participating teams will exceed 32.
Meanwhile, in other sporting news, the Pakistani kabaddi team suffered a 28-38 defeat at the hands of Iran. In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the Hyderabad Kings Man secured a 4-wicket victory over the Multan Sultan, marking their fourth consecutive win.
In other news, the US military has increased its operations in the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump ordering a three-fold increase in naval operations in the region. The move is seen as a response to Iran’s seizure of a US oil tanker.
In Bollywood news, Shah Rukh Khan’s manager, Pooja Godkhindi, and her family have purchased three apartments in Mumbai’s Bandra area for Rs 38.21 crores. The properties were registered in the names of Pooja’s husband, Hitesh Prakash Godkhindi, and her father, Mohan Sevaram Dadlani.
On social media, Indians have criticized the Modi government over Trump’s remarks, with many calling it a “direct attack” on India’s sovereignty.
