Iran

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Iran

Egypt and Iran reveal alternative World Cup participation plan With the final whistle on their group stage fortunes blowing, both Egypt and Iran have unveiled a contingency bluepri

Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.

World Cup 2026 Power Rankings

WC26 Power Rankings: France flex as England & U.S. falter

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the March international break, as the final six qualifiers were confirmed for this summer's festival of football in North America.

Gianni Infantino

Infantino insists Iran WILL play at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

Infantino has no Plan B for Iran amid World Cup withdrawal threat

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed the possibility of a replacement team entering the 2026 World Cup, insisting there is "no plan B" if Iran decide to withdraw. Despite escalating geopolitical conflict and direct threats of withdrawal from Iranian officials, the governing body remains committed to the Asian nation’s involvement. Infantino confirmed that discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump have taken place to ensure the squad is welcomed on North American soil this June.

World Cup 2026 FIFA Trump concerns GFX

Trump, ICE & Iran: Six major concerns ahead of the World Cup

In November, we were treated to the most exhilarating reminder possible of the magic of the World Cup. History was made in Jamaica as Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify by holding the Reggae Boys to a 0-0 draw in Kingston. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Haiti managed to secure a spot at the finals for the first time in 50 years with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua - in spite of the fact that they weren't able to play any games at home because of the ongoing conflict on the Caribbean island.

Iran v Qatar: Semi Final - AFC Asian Cup

Iran 'negotiating with FIFA' to move World Cup matches from U.S. to Mexico

The Iranian Football Federation has entered urgent discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico. Citing severe security concerns following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials claim they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil. This unprecedented request threatens to disrupt the logistics of the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.

2022-World-Cup-Match-Between-USA-And-Iran-in-Qatar

Iran can still compete at World Cup, says AFC chief

Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has confirmed that Iran remain on track to compete in the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The official addressed the mounting uncertainty that has surrounded the team’s involvement due to the volatile geopolitical landscape, even though Iran's sports minister has already ruled out competing in North America.

President Trump And First Lady Melania Trump Host Women's History Month Event At The White House

Iran hit back at Donald Trump over World Cup withdrawal row

The Iranian football federation has issued a defiant response to Donald Trump after the United States president suggested their presence at the 2026 World Cup would be "inappropriate" for their own safety. Tensions have reached a breaking point following the commencement of military strikes in the region, leaving Team Melli’s participation in the upcoming tournament on American soil unlikely.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

U.S. President Trump says Iran should skip World Cup 'for safety'

United States President Donald Trump insisted that the Iranian soccer team are welcome to come to the U.S. for the World Cup this summer, despite the political tensions between the two nations - while warning that traveling to the United States could put their “life and safety” at risk. The U.S. have repeatedly bombed the country in recent weeks, and Iranian officials admitted the team 'cannot' participate in the tournament.

FBL-WC-2026-ASIA-QUALIFIERS-IRI-PRK

Iran withdraw from World Cup, sports minister says

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into serious doubt following explosive comments from the country’s sports minister. With the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico set to kick off in just three months, Ahmad Donyamali told state television that the team would not travel due to the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Iran v Syria: Round Of 16 - AFC Asian Cup

Iran announces: "We will not participate in the World Cup in the USA"

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country’s national team cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following recent military conflict involving the United States and Israel. Speaking on Iranian state television, Donyamali said the current circumstances mean participation in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is not possible.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Attends US Conference Of Mayors In Washington, DC

Infantino: World Cup will be a ‘total party’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the 2026 World Cup will be a flawless global celebration, brushing aside mounting anxieties over escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the USA and Israel conflict with Iran disrupting football calendars, causing widespread visa chaos, and forcing Iraq to request a delay, FIFA remains solely focused on record ticket sales.

FBL-WC-2026-SAMERICA-QUALIFIERS-URU-BRA

Richarlison hits out at 'fake news' he will boycott World Cup

Brazil and Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has denied he is planning on sitting out the 2026 World Cup amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Iran has recently come under attack from the United States - one of three co-hosts for this summer's tournament - and Israel, leading to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

Trump offers dismissive view of Iran's World Cup hopes

The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been hit by a major geopolitical storm as United States president Donald Trump admitted he is indifferent to whether Iran participates in the upcoming tournament. Despite being the first nation to secure qualification for the showpiece event, Iran were the notable absentees from a high-profile FIFA planning meeting held in Atlanta this week. The silence from the Iranian camp has sparked intense speculation regarding their involvement in the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.

2022-World-Cup-Match-Between-USA-And-Iran-in-Qatar

‘We can't look forward with hope' - Iran WC participation uncertain

Iran's place at the upcoming World Cup has been put in doubt amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The president of Iran's soccer federation said on Monday that the country's World Cup hopes seem slim at the moment, although organizers say there has been no formal indication that plans will change for this summer.

Frequently asked questions

Il Napoli è nato il 25 agosto 1926 grazie all'industriale napoletano Giorgio Ascarelli, primo presidente del club partenopeo. Club a sua volta frutto di una modifica statutaria del Football club Internazionale Naples nato nel 1922.

Aurelio De Laurentiis è il presidente e proprietario del Napoli. Imprenditore e produttore cinematografico, ha acquistato il Napoli Soccer nel 2004 in C1, per poi riacquistare la denominazione SSC Napoli nel 2006 dopo la promozione in Serie B.

Il Napoli gioca le sue partite casalinghe allo Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, rinominato così in seguito alla scomparsa del più grande giocatore azzurro di tutti i tempi. L'impianto era precedentemente noto come Stadio San Paolo.

Lo Stadio del Napoli, Diego Armando Maradona, può contenere 54.726 persone. L'impianto degli azzurri è uno dei più grandi d'Italia per capienza, dopo San Siro, l'Olimpico e il San Nicola di Bari.

Il Napoli ha vinto tre Scudetti durante la sua storia, di cui il primo solamente nel 1987. Il secondo titolo è arrivato nel 1990 sempre con Maradona come protagonista, mentre nel 2023 si è festeggiato il terzo campionato di Serie A vinto.

Il Napoli ha vinto l'Europa League nel 1989, all'epoca chiamata Coppa UEFA. Si tratta dell'unico trofeo europeo e internazionale conquistato dalla squadra partenopea durante la sua storia.

Oltre ai tre Scudetti e all'Europa League, il Napoli ha in bacheca altri otto titoli, principalmente Coppa Italia: il totale di trofei vinti è dunque di dodici.

Nonostante il Napoli sia azzurro e bianco, il primo colore domina nelle maglie e nei colori sociali. L'azzurro richiama in particolare la tonalità del mare cittadino.

Inizialmente il simbolo del Napoli era un asino, ma dopo il primo deludente periodo in massima serie, nel 1926, i tifosi cominciarono ad evidenziare come il club fosse malandato come un asino, e in particolare l'asino di Fechella. Questi era un ambulante che girava per la città con un povero, sfruttato, asino sfinito dal lavoro.

Dries Mertens è il massimo marcatore nella storia del Napoli. Il giocatore belga ha segnato 148 goal in nove stagioni come attaccante tuttofare dei partenopei.

Marek Hamsik è il giocatore con più partite giocate in maglia Napoli. Il centrocampista slovacco ha fatto parte della squadra partenopea per 12 stagioni, per un totale di 520 gare.

I giocatori del Napoli sono chiamati azzurri per il colore della maglia, ma anche partenopei. In antichità la città era chiamata Parthenope in onore di una delle sirene dell'Odissea di Omero, che secondo la leggenda, dopo il suicidio per l'insensibilità di Ulisse al suo canto, sarebbe arrivata al fiume Sebeto, che un tempo bagnava Napoli.

Bruno Pesaola è l'allenatore con più panchine alla guida del Napoli. Come tecnico degli azzurri ha vinto una Coppa Italia, a fronte di otto stagioni passate in città.

Durante la sua storia il Napoli ha quasi sempre giocato in Serie A, ma non sono mancate le stagioni nelle serie inferiori. In particolare i partenopei hanno vissuto 12 annate in Serie B e 2 in Serie C.

Nel 2004/2005 e nel 2005/2006 il Napoli ha giocato in Serie C. All'epoca in Serie B, la squadra partenopea venne retrocessa dopo il fallimento della società in seguito a una grave crisi finanziaria.