A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8 and later extended by Washington after rare direct talks between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11–12 ended without a breakthrough.
The conflict has raised questions about whether Iran’s team would face complications travelling to or competing in the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on April 16 that Iran is expected to participate, noting that the team has qualified and expressed its willingness to compete despite the ongoing crisis.
US President Donald Trump also said in March that Iran would be welcome at the tournament, but questioned whether it would be appropriate for players to attend, citing concerns over their “life and safety.”
Domestic pressures continue
Separately, Mohajerani said Iran’s health minister reported that 40,000 injured people had received free medical treatment during what she described as the country’s “third imposed war,” a reference to the recent regional conflict.
Her comments underscored how sport and politics remain closely intertwined as Iran prepares for one of its biggest international sporting appearances while navigating ongoing military and diplomatic pressures.
For now, Tehran is making clear that, despite the tensions, it expects its team to be on the field when the World Cup kicks off next summer.
