Iran's 2026 World Cup Participation in Doubt as Football Chief Questions Team's Future After US Airstrikes Kill Supreme Leader

 

Iran’s national football team faces an uncertain future at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the president of the Iranian Football Federation expressed deep doubts about participation following US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions has plunged the tournament — co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and due to kick off in just over three months — into potential chaos. Iran, which qualified comfortably through the Asian confederation for a fourth successive appearance, had been drawn in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.

Their opening match is scheduled for June 15 or 16 against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, followed by clashes with Belgium in the same city and Egypt in Seattle.

Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj delivered the stark warning in comments reported across Iranian media and picked up by international outlets. “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup,” Taj said. He added: “But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”

In a separate statement to the sports portal Varzesh3, Taj was quoted as saying: “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

The strikes on Saturday targeted major Iranian cities including the capital Tehran. US President Donald Trump described the joint operation with Israel as a response to ongoing threats, vowing to “hit them with a force that has never been seen before.” Khamenei’s death has left the Islamic Republic in political uncertainty.

Iran retaliated with missile strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, drawing in defensive action from British jets protecting allied airspace. Five nations involved in the World Cup finals — the US, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UK — have now been directly linked to the conflict.

FIFA is closely monitoring the situation but remains hopeful that all qualified teams will take part. General secretary Mattias Grafstrom told reporters the governing body had held internal discussions and would continue talks with the three host nations.

“Our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating,” Grafstrom said. “We will monitor developments.”

This is not the first time Iran’s World Cup involvement has been questioned amid geopolitical friction. Last summer the team continued preparations despite earlier US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and officials had already threatened to boycott the tournament draw in Washington over visa issues for federation staff. World Cup players and coaching personnel remain exempt from broader US travel restrictions.

Should Iran ultimately withdraw, FIFA rules would likely see them replaced by the next eligible Asian side — possibly Iraq or the United Arab Emirates — though no formal process has yet been triggered.

The broader implications for the tournament are significant. Matches in Los Angeles would take place in a city with a large Iranian diaspora, raising security and fan attendance concerns. A potential last-16 clash against the United States in Dallas has already been speculated upon should both teams advance.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously emphasised the World Cup’s role as a platform for unity, but analysts warn the current crisis presents unprecedented challenges so close to kick-off.

For now, the Iranian squad continues training, while the women’s national team proceeds with its Asian Cup preparations in Australia. No official decision on the men’s team’s participation has been announced by Iran’s sports authorities or government.

The story is developing rapidly, with FIFA expected to provide further updates in the coming days.