US EditionProblems for FIFA: Iran 'unlikely' to go to World Cup in United States and suspends its league
Iran suspends its domestic football league amid U.S. missile strikes and visa bans, casting doubt on Team Melli's participation in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., officials said.
- Following Saturday's strikes, the Iranian Football Federation president said it is unlikely Iran can look forward to the World Cup and suspended Iran's domestic league until further notice.
- On Feb. 28, 2026, the U.S. launched missile strikes on Iran, prompting regional retaliation and raising visa concerns due to the U.S. travel ban and IRGC ties.
- FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said FIFA is monitoring developments and focused on a safe World Cup with all teams, maintaining communication with the three host governments.
- Clubs and foreign players are now directly affected as the AFC rescheduled West Region matches originally set for March 2-3, 2026, amid the developing situation, disrupting fixtures like Al-Duhail vs Al-Ahli and affecting players including Antonio Adan, Munir, and Ivan Sanchez.
- Team Melli is scheduled to play on June 15 and June 26 in Los Angeles and Seattle, but U.S. travel bans and visa denials complicate their plans, Taj said it is unlikely.
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Associated Press News
President of Iran’s soccer federation says World Cup participation in US is in doubt
The president of Iran’s soccer federation says he does not know if the national team can play World Cup matches in the United States following the surprise U.S. and Israeli bombardment of his country.
Iran.- The Iran Selection has its first scheduled match in the 2026 World Cup on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, but in the face of the armed conflict between the Islamic nation and the US its presence in the tournament charges "unprobably." "With what happened today and with that US attack, we are unlikely to be able to look with hope at the World Cup, but the heads of the sport are the ones who must decide about it," said Iranian F…
After the attack on Iran, the country's participation in the World Cup is even more focused. The head of the association sees gloomy prospects. Test games have already been cancelled.
Iran threatens to pull out of FIFA World Cup 2026 amid US-Iran-Israel conflict, new concerns raise for the tournament
International Sports News: The Iran Football Federation has reportedly threatened to withdraw from the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The warning comes as tensions rise in West A.
ledauphine.com
The president of the Iranian Football Federation considered Saturday that it is "unlikely (...) to consider the World Cup", played this summer in North America, after the American and Israeli bombings.
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