إيران في المونديال؟ تصريحات متناقضة عن مشاركة كأس العالم 2026 تثير الجدل

أكد سفير إيران لدى إسبانيا، رضا زبيب، مشاركة بلاده في نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، والتي تستضيفها الولايات المتحدة والمكسيك وكندا.

وقال زبيب إن حق إيران في التواجد بالمونديال مكفول، ولا توجد لديه أي مشكلة تعيق هذه المشاركة، مشيراً إلى أن المنتخب استحق مكانه في البطولة عن جدارة بناءً على نتائجه في التصفيات.

A clear divergence of opinion has emerged regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While Ambassador Reza Zib on behalf of Iran to Spain has definitively stated that the Iranian national team will indeed compete, other Iranian officials have expressed a more reserved and cautious outlook.

Ambassador Zib asserted, “We will go to the 2026 World Cup. It is our right to be there, we have no problem.” He further emphasized that Iran’s qualification for the tournament was earned through strong performances in the qualification rounds. This stance suggests a belief that existing political and security tensions, even amidst ongoing conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Israel, will not impede their presence on the global stage.

However, this optimistic view contrasts sharply with statements made by Ali Gholampur, Iran’s ambassador to Kenya. Gholampur revealed that Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is effectively “in danger.” He acknowledged that the team is prepared but highlighted the persistent instability of the current circumstances. The ambassador warned that if the current conflict escalates, Iran’s World Cup participation could become “impossible.”

Adding to this uncertainty, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, has also alluded to the potential absence of the national team. He described the recent American and Israeli attacks on Iran as “aggression” and a “crime.” Taj indicated that the federation, in consultation with senior sports officials, would make a necessary decision regarding their response to what he termed America’s “aggression” as the host nation of the upcoming World Cup.

The Iranian national team secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup in March, topping its qualification group. They have been drawn into Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand. Their opening match is scheduled against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by a fixture against Belgium on June 21 in the same city. The team is set to conclude its group stage journey with a match against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

The differing perspectives from Iranian diplomatic and sports leadership underscore the complex geopolitical landscape and its potential ramifications for international sporting events. While one diplomat projects confidence in participation, others are more pragmatic, linking the team’s presence to the prevailing security situation and potential governmental responses.

المصدر: https://www.matnnews.com/272170