According to the Spanish sports daily Marca, Iran may consider withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup amid rising geopolitical tensions. This possibility follows a series of strikes carried out on Saturday by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory.
The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, commented on the situation on state television: “Given what happened today and this attack from the United States, it’s unlikely we can calmly consider the World Cup, but it’s up to the sports officials to decide.” He also announced the suspension of the national championship until further notice.
Iran, qualified for its fourth consecutive finals, is in Group G of the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Iranian team is set to play all three of its group matches in the United States: against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, against Belgium on June 21, also in Los Angeles, and against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
Meanwhile, FIFA is closely monitoring the situation. Its Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, spoke at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board in Cardiff: “I read the news about Iran this morning, just like you,” he said, according to ESPN. “We had a meeting today and it’s premature to comment in detail, but we will closely follow the developments of all matters around the world. We will continue to communicate with the three host countries, as we always do. The safety of everyone will be ensured.”
As of now, no official decision has been made regarding Iran’s potential participation or withdrawal from the tournament.
