The president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran has cast doubt on whether Iran’s national team will be able to play its World Cup matches in the United States amid ongoing hostilities.
Mehdi Taj said that after the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, it was difficult to approach the tournament with optimism. His remarks came as Iran and Israel** continued exchanging attacks in an escalating conflict.
Iran are scheduled to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Drawn in Group G, Iran are set to play all three of their opening matches on American soil.
They are due to face New Zealand national football team in Inglewood, California, on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium national football team on June 21. Their final group-stage fixture is against the Egypt national football team in Seattle on June 26.
Taj did not announce that Iran would withdraw from the tournament, nor did he confirm any formal communication with FIFA. However, he indicated that the current geopolitical climate has complicated preparations and expectations.
The situation has become more uncertain following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, which has heightened regional instability.
FIFA has not yet issued an official statement addressing Taj’s comments or clarifying whether the conflict could affect Iran’s participation in matches hosted in the United States.
Potential travel and visa complications could also resurface. Iranian nationals were included in earlier travel restrictions introduced during the Trump administration, and past policies have at times made entry into the United States more difficult for Iranian citizens.
With the tournament only months away, organisers across the three host nations continue preparations. For now, Iran remain on course to compete, though the evolving conflict has introduced fresh uncertainty into the build-up to the World Cup.
