Just months after securing their spot on the world’s biggest stage, Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is now uncertain.
The announcement from the head of the country’s football federation has cast a shadow over the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup back in March 2025. During the official draw held in Washington, D.C., in December, the team was placed in a group that scheduled all three of their first-round matches on American soil.
According to their fixture list, Iran is set to open their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. They would then face Belgium on June 21, before traveling north to Seattle to take on Egypt on June 26.
However, those plans are now in serious jeopardy. Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, went on Tehran public television to express deep doubts about the team’s ability to travel.
“With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup,” Taj stated publicly. He added that the final decision rests with the country’s top sports authorities rather than the football federation itself. As of now, no official request to withdraw has been filed with FIFA, football’s world governing body.
What Happens Next?
The situation has left fans and officials wondering what a potential replacement plan would look like. If Iran does withdraw, FIFA would need to find a substitute team to fill the slot in Group B.
The most likely candidate is Iraq. Iraq is currently scheduled to compete in a continental play-off later this year against either Bolivia or Suriname. The winner of that match would normally claim a separate spot in the tournament.
However, in this scenario, it is believed that Iraq could be elevated directly into Iran’s place, with the United Arab Emirates potentially stepping in to replace Iraq in the play-off round.
FIFA’s Response
When asked about the situation, FIFA’s general secretary, Mattias Grafstrom, urged patience. Speaking to the media on Saturday during a meeting of the International Football Association Board in Wales, Grafstrom confirmed that the organization is watching the matter closely.
“I read the news this morning the same way you did,” Grafstrom said. “We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.”
He emphasized that the draw took place with all teams present and that the priority remains a safe tournament. “We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments,” he added. “Everybody will be safe.”
Looking Ahead
The World Cup is still roughly four months away, with the official 100-day countdown set to begin on Tuesday. This leaves a narrow window for FIFA and the involved parties to resolve the issue.
While Taj’s comments suggest a significant hurdle, the lack of an official withdrawal means Iran remains in the tournament for now. Whether they will make the trip to Los Angeles in June, or whether a last-minute change will see Iraq take their place, depends on the decisions made by political and sports leaders in the coming weeks.