Iran will participate in its 2026 World Cup matches in the United States only if the safety of its players is guaranteed, Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali said. A final decision on the team's participation will be made by the government and the Supreme National Security Council.

"If the safety of the national team's players in the United States is ensured, we will travel to the World Cup," Donyamali said. He said the team would continue to train for the tournament regardless of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

"The national team may not go to the World Cup, but if we are going to participate, we must be ready," he said. "We have to be ready, but maybe the decision is not to go, and if we are going to go, we have to be ready to have a strong presence."

The Iranian squad's World Cup training camp will commence on May 10 and last for over a week. Iran's football federation will set up the camp if the team is given government approval.

Iran's participation has been uncertain since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire between Tehran and Washington nears its deadline on April 22. Last month, Iran played two international friendlies in Turkiye under tight security and limited media access.

Iran's Football Federation asked FIFA last month to move its games out of the United States, one of the three host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled and dismissed the possibility of Mexico hosting Iran's games, citing logistical impediments.

"We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. "But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. The players want to play."

In a social media post, President Donald Trump said, "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety." Trump's remarks came as Iran's participation in the tournament remains subject to a government decision.

Iran open against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, face Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and play Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. If the team advances to the knockout stage, the rest of its games will also be held in the United States.