Despite earlier uncertainty, Iran now says it is fully prepared for the 2026 World Cup.

Iran is part of the 48-team confirmed squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and while there was previously uncertainty over their participation due to security concerns over playing in the United States, Iran’s government now says the country is fully prepared for the tournament.The latest update comes after Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali addressed the situation following comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said: “The Iranian team is definitely coming.”

FIFA status and how the tournament is structured

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, world football’s governing body, addressed the issue at CNBC’s Invest in America forum on April 15 and confirmed that Iran will participate in the tournament.“The Iranian team is definitely coming,” he said, expressing hope that “the situation will be peaceful by then.”Infantino stressed that the players deserved to compete, saying that they “represent their people” and have earned their place. “They really want to play, and they should play,” he said, reiterating his view that sports should remain separate from politics.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino observes a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, southern Turkey, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Riza Ozel)

This situation matches how the tournament is set up. The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 and will be the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. 78 of them will be played in the United States, including every match through the quarterfinals at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Canada and Mexico will each host 13 matches, for a total of 16 venues across the three countries – 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada.

Why have Iran’s match venues become an issue?

Since the United States is hosting most of the games, Iran’s entire group-stage schedule is currently scheduled there. They are in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, and matches are planned for the US West Coast. As per the current situation, Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 16 at SoFi Stadium in California, Belgium on June 21 at the same venue and Egypt on June 27 at Lumen Field in Seattle. If they progress, any knockout matches will also be played in the US, given how the bracket is structured.

Iran players pose for photographers before a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, southern Turkey, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Riza Ozel)

For this reason, Iran’s Football Federation had to formally request a change. Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that discussions with FIFA include the possibility of moving those matches to Mexico if security guarantees cannot be ensured.

Request to move matches and FIFA’s response

Mexico indicated it was willing to host Iran’s events, but the request yielded no changes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed at a press conference in Mexico City that FIFA had rejected the proposal. “FIFA ultimately decided that matches could not be moved from their original venues,” he said. “This would have made the logistics very complicated and this decision was taken by FIFA.” That decision effectively stopped Iran’s matches in the United States under the current schedule.

US President’s remarks and Infantino’s stance

The situation has also been created by the comments of US President Donald Trump. On March 11, 2026, he posted on Truth Social in response to reports of Iran potentially quitting the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid rising US–Iran tensions, stating that Iran were “welcome” to attend, but also suggested that they should stay away “for their life and safety.”Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino is sticking to his position. After meeting with Iranian players, coaches and officials in Türkiye on 31 March, he reiterated that the matches would go ahead as planned.

Iran government position

Within Iran, the approach has shifted from caution to explicit preparation. Sports and Youth Minister Ahmed Donyamali had earlier told reporters on Tuesday, April 21, that discussions were going on through a committee process.“We discussed about the national team, the conditions of the national team and we also formed a committee,” he said. “Today we also have a meeting under this discussion and we are performing our legal duty.”He said both participation and non-participation were still on the table: “We must be prepared. In any case, a decision can be taken not to go. And if a decision is taken to go, we must be prepared anyway, so that our presence, if any, will be a strong presence.” He also said that the final decision would depend on “the conditions that exist today, the government and perhaps the National Security Council”.However, a recent update suggests a more streamlined direction. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on wednesday Iran’s institutions are now fully prepared for the national team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, it said in a statement to state broadcaster IRIB.The Ministry of Youth and Sports has ensured all necessary arrangements for the team’s participation, he said, adding that preparations were made under the direction of the Sports Minister with a focus on providing the necessary facilities for a successful performance.

Qualification record and current status

Iran secured qualification by topping their Asian qualifying group in March 2025, becoming one of the first teams to secure a place in the tournament. They have appeared in the last six World Cups, including the 2022 edition in Qatar.Currently, Iran’s participation is officially intact, the fixtures are scheduled and FIFA is considering their place as confirmed. While earlier statements suggested that the final decision depended on changing circumstances and high-level approval, a recent government update indicated that Iranian institutions are now fully prepared for the national team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, signaling a shift toward readiness rather than uncertainty.

Two Indian-origin women, a mother and daughter, were attacked in a horrific knife attack inside their home in Burbank, killing mother Aarti Verma, 59, a primary school teacher. His daughter Meera Verma, a well-known mental health activist, was seriously injured, but both women were reported to be stable after being taken to hospital. Meera’s father was in India when the knife attack took place. A 30-year-old man, Sergio Freire, was arrested as a person of interest in the case.Due to Freire being a local, many details emerged about him, but it has not yet been established whether Freire knew Varmaas, or what motivated the stabbing.The stabbing incident occurred around 6 am on April 20. Freire was located in a house less than three miles from Vermas. Both mother and daughter were quite famous in their area. 25-year-old Mira Verma is nationally known as a mental health activist who has worked with Oprah, Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kamala Harris.A local report suggested that Freire grew up in the Burbank area and some called him an athlete and an exceptional student. Freire’s former teammate Andrés Pulgarín expressed surprise and said that they were all very shocked when they found out. “He was a classic honor student, which you don’t really expect from someone like that,” Pulgarin told KTLA.After the early morning stabbing, the police started investigation and an arrest was made at 10 pm. The police department said, “At approximately 10:00 p.m., members of the Burbank Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team served a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of East Palm Avenue in Burbank, where Mr. Fryer was believed to be living. He was taken into custody without incident, and evidence related to the crime was recovered.”“The relationship between the suspect and the victims, if any, is being investigated, as well as the motive,” the department said.

DWP expands face-to-face PIP assessments despite staff shortages in UK

_{Amid recent moves by the Department for Work and Pensions, more individual assessments are expected for those applying for disability support. Despite limited medical staff available, officials have focused on conducting about three out of every ten reviews face-to-face. Those receiving Personal Independence Payment or Employment and Support Allowance will see adjustments across the UK. Accuracy in decisions serves as a central focus behind this initiative. However, progress largely depends on how quickly health professionals can be involved.Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms acknowledged the difficulties in a formal reply sent to the Work and Pensions Committee. Given how fierce the competition is for positions in health-related employment sectors, challenges remain with filling and retaining roles. The staff required for assessment often hold dual responsibilities in nursing or medical practice, creating overlap with the existing workforce. As these individuals are sought after by both NHS bodies and independent organisations, it becomes more complex for assessment services to secure them.The Department for Work and Pensions indicated ongoing collaboration with external evaluation firms to refine recruitment methods, staff development and program oversight. Officials said progress has been initiated step by step, where development follows a structured plan rather than moving quickly. Despite the current challenges, Sir Stephen Timms commented that the target of thirty percent over time is still within reach.Officials are in favor of resuming physical assessment because of the information it provides about a person’s health condition. Before 2020, such reviews typically took place in person. Public health measures have led to widespread adoption of virtual and phone-based options. Current guidance suggests combining past practices with digital formats when appropriate.Among those expressing uneasiness are advocacy organisations, which focus on the challenges associated with increased demands for face-to-face assessment. What stands out is that the burden of such requirements falls on people managing ongoing medical problems or mobility difficulties. Rather than being neutral, these processes often ignore individual circumstances. Flexibility rather than rigid formats becomes necessary, so fairness does not depend solely on physical presence. Ensuring access is not optional; It should shape how the system functions. For many people, adjustment is not a convenience but a necessity.According to the Department for Work and Pensions, a mixed method will be in place. The availability of phone or video assessments depends on individual circumstances, officials said. While some may find one format more appropriate, adjustments respond to differences in health status. Efficiency also remains a factor along with consideration of individual needs.If any person requires more details under today’s rules he can go for review. When examining daily tasks and activities, a medical staff lead the discussion considering ongoing treatments rather than relying on assumptions. Simple proposals may be sought during this process so that capacity can be seen directly rather than reported. Some evaluations take place in specific facilities, while others take place wherever the individual lives whenever circumstances demand.Details emerge through daily record reviews, with messages exchanged within Parliament’s work and pensions group, outlining both the intentions and the practical constraints.}

Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung, a select aide of PM Balendra Shah, resigned on Wednesday amid a probe into his wealth disclosures, investments and alleged business links with businessman and power broker Deepak Bhatta, who is being investigated in a money-laundering case. In a day of dramatic developments, Shah took charge of the Home Ministry following Gurung’s departure, just 26 days after his anti-corruption government took charge.Gurung’s resignation is the second ministerial setback for Shah in a matter of weeks. On April 9, Shah dismissed Labor, Employment and Social Security Minister Deepak Kumar Shah after a disciplinary panel found that he had misused his position to retain his wife Junu Shrestha on the health insurance board, a move the party said was a violation of its code of conduct and discipline.Gurung, a former events manager and nightclub DJ who founded the NGO Hami Nepal after helping with relief efforts during the 2015 earthquake, had emerged as one of the leaders of last year’s deadly Gen Z protests that forced former PM KP Sharma Oli to resign and ultimately propelled Shah to the prime ministership. Notably, Shah and Gurung formally joined the ruling Rashtriya Swatra Party (RSP) together on January 18, with Gurung announcing on social media that they would enter the party office together.Announcing his resignation, Gurung said he was stepping down to allow a fair investigation and avoid conflict of interest. “For me, morality matters more than a position, and no power is greater than the public trust,” he said, adding that questions raised by citizens should be answered with “moral integrity.” Before resigning, Shah had asked for a written explanation from him.Gen Z activists, whose protests had helped propel Gurung from civil society into Nepal’s political circles, had also demanded his dismissal and arrest after questions were raised over his assets and alleged links with Bhatta. In a statement, Gen-Z Movement Nepal said that allowing him to remain in office “could impact the investigation process and represents a clear conflict of interest”, adding that a minister facing investigation cannot continue without violating “fundamental ethical and legal principles”. The controversy started after the declaration of ministers’ assets became public on 12 April. Gurung declared shares and securities, 89 tola (1.04 kg) of gold, 6 kg of silver, over Rs 61 lakh in Nepali cash, a vehicle and land in Dhankuta, as well as properties registered in the names of his father and grandfather in Chitwan and Gorkha. The revelations raised questions about the wealth of the politician who had built his public image around activism, disaster relief and clean governance.The matter deepened after reports emerged that Gurung held founder-level shares in two micro-insurance firms – Star Micro Insurance and Liberty Micro Life Insurance – where his name had surfaced along with those linked to Bhatta and Shankar Group vice-chairman Sulav Agarwal. Gurung had invested Rs 25 lakh (Rs 15.6 lakh) each in the two companies, which were yet to launch initial public offerings. Agarwal was arrested earlier this month as part of a wide-ranging money-laundering probe into transactions worth Nepali rupees 3.7 billion (Rs 231 crore).Gurung denied hiding the investments, saying they were part of his declared stock-market portfolio. “A person who intends to hide assets does not openly declare investments of more than Rs 20 million,” he had earlier said. He also said that buying shares is not a business partnership.However, critics said that the unlisted founder shares should have been identified separately and not clubbed under general securities holdings. They also raised questions on the source of funds as records showed that on May 9, 2023, Nepali rupees 22.5 lakh (Rs 14 lakh) by Chang Agarwal and Nepali rupees 37.5 lakh (Rs 23.4 lakh) by Bijay Kumar Shrestha were deposited in Gurung’s personal account. The next day, 25 lakh Nepali rupees (₹15.6 lakh) each were transferred from the account to Liberty Micro Life Insurance and Star Micro Insurance.Financial records also raised questions about the donation. Gurung’s personal account had received around Rs 60 lakh (Rs 37.5 lakh) Nepali as COVID-19 relief donations in May–June 2021, of which Rs 25.9 lakh (Rs 16.2 lakh) Nepali were later transferred to Hami Nepal. Hami Nepal received 2.28 crore Nepali rupees (₹1.42 crore) in its bank account between July 2021 and August 2025, while Shankar Group was identified as one of its largest corporate donors.Bhatta, chairman of Infinity Holdings, has interests in energy, real estate, travel, consumer goods, government contracts, insurance and stock-market sectors. The investigators are probing alleged suspicious transactions involving Bhatta, Aggarwal, Shankar Group and Himalayan Reinsurance. Shah’s government is facing protests and clashes at the India-Nepal border over strict customs duties on goods worth more than 100 Nepali rupees (₹63) brought from India, while there have been major demonstrations in Kathmandu over the government’s move to ban party-affiliated student politics in colleges and replace student unions with student councils.

At first glance, the continued absence of Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba KhameneiSeems to be a sign of deep instability. In most political systems – especially a centralized system like Iran – the disappearance of the top authority would lead to chaos.But in Iran’s current moment of crisis, this very absence is doing the opposite – helping to preserve the regime.