“As the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian football federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup,” Donyamali continued. “However, the final decision will be made by our government.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
While the situation remains fluid, the Minister sounds pessimistic about his team’s chances of suiting up for the biggest event in the soccer world.<\/p>\n
\n“Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low,” he admitted. “But, if the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government will make the decision on Iran’s participation in the World Cup.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
That said, the ceasefire could help change their stance, and there are still eight weeks before the tournament starts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Iran is scheduled to play Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G, with games taking place at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It would be their seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup. They secured their spot after earning 23 points in the third round of the AFC Qualification.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In their previous six appearances, they’ve logged a record of 3-10-4 and have yet to move past the group stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n