Iran has decided to retract its earlier threat to boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, the country has maintained its position of not participating in matches played in the United States due to ongoing tensions in the region. Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s football federation, announced that the national team is moving forward with its preparations for the tournament, which is set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Team Melli, as the Iranian national football team is known, was among the first nations to qualify for the World Cup. Concerns about their participation had surfaced since the escalation of conflicts between Iran and the United States in late February.

Training Camp and Friendlies Scheduled in Turkey

In a statement, Taj confirmed that the men’s team will conduct a training camp in Turkey and is planning to play two friendly matches there. He clarified, “The national team is holding a training camp in Turkey, and we will also play two friendly matches there.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to participate in the World Cup while firmly taking a stand against playing in the US. Taj emphasized their intention, saying, “We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup.” His comments come shortly after Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali indicated that the national team might withdraw from the World Cup following the assassination of a key Iranian leader.

Demands for Venue Change Amid Political Tensions

As the situation evolves, Iran has issued requests to change the scheduled venues for their World Cup matches. This plea aligns with statements made by former US President Donald Trump, who advised the Iranian team to avoid playing in the United States for their safety. In response to these tensions, Taj seized on Trump’s remarks to call for the relocation of matches for Team Melli. The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, noted on March 17 that Iran is welcome to host its matches in Mexico, but ultimately, the decision resides with FIFA.

Upcoming Matches for Team Melli

Iran is set to compete against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in matches scheduled for June in the US. FIFA has stated that it is in communication with the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) but affirmed its intention for all participating teams to adhere to the originally planned schedule. Despite the ongoing discussions about venue changes, FIFA aims to ensure the tournament proceeds as organized, maintaining consistent engagement with the Iranian football authorities.

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