2026 World Cup: Iran's participation "highly unlikely" given the geopolitical situation

"With this attack from the United States, it is highly unlikely that we can consider participating in the 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico) at ease, but it is up to sports officials to decide," said Mehdi Taj, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) on Iranian state television, on 01/03/2026.

This statement follows the bombing of Iranian territory by the United States and Israel since 28/02/2026. These strikes resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. They were followed by an Iranian military response targeting several Middle Eastern countries (Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan).

The Iranian football championship (Iran Pro League) has been suspended until further notice. FIFA, for its part, has reiterated through its secretary general Mattias Grafström that "the safety of all" will be ensured during the 2026 World Cup. "It is premature to comment in detail, but we will closely monitor developments in all areas around the world. We will continue to…