US EditionProblems for FIFA: Iran 'unlikely' to go to World Cup in United States and suspends its league
Iran's Football Federation president doubts team participation due to security concerns after U.S.-Israel strikes; over 200 fatalities reported amid escalating regional conflict.
- On March 1, 2026, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, said Iran's participation appears doubtful and the domestic league is suspended, stating 'What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope'.
- After U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reciprocal Iranian attacks caused broader instability with more than 200 killed.
- Iran were drawn in Group G and are scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26, while several Iranian officials had visas denied amid U.S. travel bans.
- FIFA has warned a decision could arrive in the coming weeks, with Iran possibly replaced by Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, according to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom.
- The 2026 World Cup, the first 48-team edition, is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, and Iran's Seattle match against Egypt coincides with Pride activities, prompting objections from the Egyptian Football Association.
239 Articles
239 Articles
The president of the Iranian federation said that “we cannot be expected to face the World Cup with hope” after the escalation after the action of the US and Israel
The President of the Iranian Football Association, Mehdi Taj, has left open a participation in the 2026 World Cup following the attacks of the US and Israel on Iran. Currently, the game is being played in the country.
Iran: FIFA World Cup 2026 Participation In Doubt Amid Escalating Conflict
With just over 100 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, Iran's place in the tournament has been thrown into uncertainty following US military strikes carried out alongside Israel.
The war waged on Saturday by the United States and Israel against Iran will inevitably impact the world football championship 2026. The tournament, the first with 48 teams, will begin on 11 June with the Mexico-South Africa match at the Aztec Stadium and in these 101 days preceding the event, the situation could further degenerate. The Middle East is on fire. The presence of US and British bases in the area has in fact dragged other countries in…
El Periódico
laprovincia.esThe Iranian team, ranked for the U.S. tournament, could withdraw after the war escalation, forcing FIFA to decide what to do
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