Irans World Cup bid uncertain due to team safety concerns in US

Iran’s National Football Team Prepares for World Cup Amid Uncertainty

Iran’s football team is preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with training set to commence on May 10. However, a final decision on their participation in the tournament will be made by the government and the Supreme National Security Council.

According to Sport Minister Ahmad Donyamali, if the safety of the national team’s players in the United States is ensured, Iran will travel to the World Cup. The team is scheduled to play all their games in the US, alongside Canada and Mexico, which has raised concerns due to ongoing tensions between Iran and the US.

The government has been reviewing the situation, with a fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington nearing its deadline on April 22. Donyamali stated that the national team will continue to train for the World Cup regardless of the geopolitical tensions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence in Iran’s participation in the tournament, despite US President Donald Trump’s earlier comments suggesting it would not be appropriate for them to participate due to safety concerns. The Iranian Football Federation had previously requested that FIFA move their games out of the US, but the governing body has maintained that all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled.

The team is set to face New Zealand on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle, respectively. If they advance to the knockouts, their remaining games would also be held in the US. The government’s decision on Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be made soon, with training camps already underway for the squad.

Source: Al Jazeera