Just over a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the Iran case continues to be discussed. The Asian national team, which regularly qualified on the pitch, has ended up at the center of political and diplomatic tensions which are complicating preparations for the World Cup.
After the cancellation of some friendlies in preparation for the World Cup and weeks of diplomatic tensions and doubts about participation in the 2026 World Cup, the Asian national team has officially left to begin their pre-World Cup training camp.
The team left Tehran for Türkiye, where they will prepare in the coming weeks before moving to the United States and where a meeting between FIFA and the Iranian Football Federation is scheduled. A clear signal that confirms the Iranian federation's desire to regularly participate in the tournament despite the still delicate political climate.
Le amichevoli: il 29 maggio c’è il Gambia
The tension around the Iranian presence at the World Cup has already increased in recent months, especially after some statements coming from the United States - one of the host countries - and after the diplomatic problems linked to visas for Iranian managers and federal representatives.
Having archived the most chaotic phase at least temporarily, Iran is now trying to concentrate on the field
At the moment, a friendly match against Gambia scheduled for May 29th is confirmed, while the federation is also working to organize a second preparation match during the Turkish retreat.
A different situation compared to a few weeks ago, when several friendlies were cancelled, fueling doubts about the real Iranian presence at the World Cup.
Le polemiche e il “caso Italia”
However, there continues to be strong international attention around Iran. In recent weeks, the hypothesis, raised by circles close to American politics, of a possible replacement for the Italian national team had also caused discussion.
A proposal that had sparked debate especially after the tensions between Iran and the United States, one of the host countries of the tournament.
Infantino chiude il caso
It was FIFA President Gianni Infantino who definitively extinguished the speculation, who in recent weeks had firmly reiterated that Iran would regularly participate in the competition.
The Italian government had also distanced itself from the hypothesis of an Italian repechage, underlining how qualification "is achieved on the pitch".
Un Mondiale tra calcio e politica
Iran will therefore continue their preparations in Antalya before flying to the United States for the tournament: placed in Group G, they should face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt with matches scheduled between Los Angeles and Seattle.
But more than just sporting preparation, there remains a heavy climate around the Iranian national team, including diplomatic tensions, security issues and international political pressure.
One thing seems to be certain at the moment: Iran will be at the 2026 World Cup.