Iranian ambassador makes Iran’s World Cup 2026 stance clear

Security tighter than ever at Iran’s embassy in Madrid. A heavy silence hung in front of the black-and-white image of the late Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader. The first words from Iran’s ambassador to Spain, Reza Zabib, were reserved for the victims of a reported strike on a school:

“These are very difficult times. We will pay tribute to the 100 girls who were killed. Innocents who lost their lives.”

After assessing the international situation and stating that Iran will respond to any aggression it faces, the ambassador was asked by AS about the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s national team and its participation in this summer’s World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

His answer was unequivocal.

“Iran will go to the World Cup; we have the right to be there.” He doubled down, dispelling any lingering doubts despite the tournament being staged on US soil:

“We have no problems, we will go.”

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