'Iran's World Cup participation controversy is over,' Jeong Bu (Spokesperson) directly mentions 'participation'

*This content was translated by AI.

The Iran national football team, whose participation in the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup was uncertain due to the aftermath of U.S. and Israel airstrikes, is expected to ultimately participate in the World Cup.

Iran Jeong Bu (Spokesperson) Fatemeh Mohajerani stated on the 23rd (Korea time) in an interview with Iran's state television that "the Iran national team is preparing for a proud and successful participation in the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup."

Iran's participation in the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup became uncertain when the war began at the end of February. Since all of Iran's group stage matches are scheduled to be held in the United States, the unprecedented possibility of a "boycott" was also raised.

In fact, Ahmad Doniamali, Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth, had previously declared, "Since the corrupt regime (the United States) attempted to assassinate our leader (Ayatollah Khamenei), participation in the World Cup is impossible under any circumstances."

During this process, various speculations emerged regarding which team would replace Iran if its boycott were confirmed, with China and Italy mentioned as potential replacement teams.

However, with 50 days until the World Cup opening, Iran Jeong Bu (Spokesperson) directly expressed its intention to participate in the World Cup, causing the controversy surrounding Iran's participation to subside.

Spokesperson Mohajerani added, "The Ministry of Youth and Sports announced, in accordance with the minister's directive, that the Wi Han (CEO) team has completed all preparations for World Cup participation. The precious players have completed all necessary preparations for a proud and successful participation."

However, the key issue remains whether the U.S. government will issue entry visas to the Iran national team. Mehdi Taji, President of the Iran Football Association and Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), was unable to attend the World Cup draw ceremony held in Washington, D.C., last December.

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*This content was translated by AI.