HIBAPRESS – Agencies
The Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, announced today, Thursday, that "the national men's team is preparing to present a proud and successful participation in the World Cup finals scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer."
Mohajerani affirmed, in statements to Iranian state television, that "the Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a statement in which it announced the full readiness of the national team to be present in the 2026 World Cup, indicating that the necessary arrangements have been made for the team's participation in a way that is worthy of pride." Paolo Zamboli, the US Special Envoy for Global Partnership, announced that he had proposed replacing Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, amid tensions between Washington and Tehran. Zamboli told a British newspaper yesterday, Wednesday: "I confirm that I suggested to (US President Donald) Trump and (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup." He added: "I am of Italian origin, and it would be a pleasure for me to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the history that justifies their inclusion," according to what was reported by the "Financial Times" newspaper.
