Iran unlikely to play in FIFA World Cup 2026
(VOVWORLD) - The president of Iran’s soccer federation Mehdi Taj said on Sunday that he did not know if the national team could play World Cup matches in the United States, adding that the final decision rests with the relevant sports authorities.
Iran has launched retaliatory attacks with missiles and drones targeting Israel and US bases in the Middle East, following the surprise US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran on Saturday.
On FIFA's side, Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said that the organization is closely monitoring the developments. FIFA emphasized that the top priority is to ensure a safe World Cup, with the full participation of the teams that have qualified to play.
Iran has been drawn in Group G at the World Cup and is scheduled to play in Los Angeles - where it faces New Zealand and Belgium on June 15 and June 21, respectively - before it plays Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 teams and a total of 104 matches across 16 cities in the three host countries. A national team may play only in Canada or Mexico during the group stage. However, in the knockout rounds, teams will most likely have to compete in the United States, which will host a total of 78 matches.
Even though Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup, its fans may find it difficult to travel to the United States to support the team, as Iranian citizens are among those from more than 40 countries subject to US travel restrictions. The United States may grant exemptions only to players, coaching staff, and team officials. Canada and Mexico will host a combined total of 26 matches and do not maintain a similar travel restriction list as the United States.