Iran’s 2026 World Cup Participation in Doubt Amidst Regional Conflict

The Iranian national football team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is increasingly uncertain following escalating tensions in the Middle East. The president of the Iranian Football Federation (IFF), Mehdi Taj, has indicated that the current geopolitical climate casts a shadow over the team’s ability to compete.

Escalating Tensions and Calls into Question

Taj stated that, following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory, it is demanding to maintain a sense of optimism about the World Cup. “We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup after this attack,” he told sports portal Varzesh3 [1]. The recent escalation in violence included strikes on Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, as well as attacks on at least six US military facilities and UK bases in the region [1].

Impact on World Cup Plans

Iran was drawn into Group G for the 2026 World Cup, with scheduled matches against Belgium and New Zealand in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle [3]. All of Iran’s group stage matches are scheduled to be played on US soil. Existing travel restrictions imposed by the US, stemming from a previous travel ban, further complicate the situation [1] and [4].

FIFA’s Response and Monitoring

FIFA has acknowledged the situation and stated it is “closely monitoring events” in the region [4]. Even as no official decision regarding a potential withdrawal or exclusion has been made, the organization is evaluating the security risks associated with the tournament, which is set to begin on June 11th [1].

Previous Concerns and Potential Outcomes

The possibility of Iran withdrawing from the tournament has been discussed since the escalation of conflict. Mehdi Taj indicated to Spanish outlet Marca that it is “unlikely” Iran will be able to look forward to the World Cup given recent developments [4]. The final decision, however, rests with Iranian football authorities [4].

Iran’s women’s team is currently competing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, while the fate of their men’s team in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain [1].