With less than four months to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament that for the first time will be played in three countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada – the possible absence of Iran has set off alarm bells in international soccer.
Iran was one of the first Asian teams to secure its sporting qualification for the 2026 World Cup. However, the current war conflict involving Iran with the United States and Israel has generated a complex political and logistical scenario that could directly impact their participation in the World Cup.
A conflict that transcends soccer
🇮🇷”With what happened and with the American attacks, it is difficult for us to think about the World Cup, but it will be the decision of the sports leaders”.
The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, questioned the team’s participation in the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/VDVZ8rMKpM
– Soccer and Politics (@FutboliPolitica) February 28, 2026
The president of the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, publicly acknowledged that the war situation seriously complicates the team’s presence in the 2026 World Cup.
Concerns revolve around three key factors:
International security and logistics in the event of airspace closures or restrictions.
Matches scheduled in the United States, a country directly involved in the conflict.
Possible immigration and visa restrictions for players and coaching staff.
According to the preliminary schedule, Iran is placed in Group G and has scheduled its group stage matches in U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle.
This adds a delicate diplomatic dimension to their situation.
Alarms in international soccer
QuéOnnda.com
What does FIFA say?
So far, FIFA has not announced an official exclusion.
The body has indicated that it constantly monitors the evolution of the international context and that any decision will prioritize the safety of players, delegations and fans.
The World Cup regulations provide that, in the event of withdrawal or inability to participate of a qualified team, the FIFA Council may designate a replacement based on sporting criteria.
In Asia, the scenarios being analyzed – based on the order of merit in the qualifiers – would include teams that were ranked immediately below them in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Among the names mentioned in the regional sports debate are Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, although no official decision has been made.
For now, Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is not officially cancelled.
However, the geopolitical context keeps fans, organizers and sports authorities on edge.
The ball is not rolling yet, but uncertainty is already playing its own game.
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