TEHRAN: Iran is considering withdrawing from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the wake of recent US airstrikes, according to a senior football official. The potential move throws the participation of one of Asia’s top teams into serious doubt just months before the tournament is set to begin.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation’s president cast significant uncertainty over the team’s participation in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca. Citing the current security situation following the American attacks, he indicated that competing in the global showpiece may no longer be feasible.
“After the US attacks, it is unlikely that we will be able to look towards the World Cup,” the federation president told Marca. He added that while the sentiment is strong, the final decision on whether to withdraw rests with the country’s sports authorities.
The news comes despite a dominant qualifying campaign by Team Melli, which saw them finish top of their group to secure a spot in what would be their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Complicating matters is the tournament’s schedule. According to the report, Iran is slated to play all three of its group stage matches on American soil. Their campaign is set to begin on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, followed by another match in the same city against Belgium on June 21. They are then scheduled to conclude the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The federation’s comments cast a shadow over what was set to be a historic tournament appearance, leaving fans and officials waiting for a final decision from the nation’s sporting leadership.
