Iran's football federation casts doubt on World Cup participation after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes

Iran's football federation has expressed serious doubt about the country's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer.

Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, made the statement on Sunday, one day after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran. "What is certain is that after this attack, one cannot expect us to look toward the World Cup with hope. The American regime has attacked our homeland, and this is an incident that will not go unanswered," Taj told the sports website Varzesh3.

Taj indicated that while participation appears unlikely given current circumstances, the decision has not yet been made officially. "With what happened today and with that attack from the United States, it is improbable that we can look with hope toward the World Cup, but the heads of sport are the ones who must decide on that," he said. He noted that sports authorities will need to define the matter in the coming weeks.

Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup after drawing at home against Uzbekistan in Asian qualifying matches. The team secured its spot in advance through the Asian eliminations. Iran has been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The team is scheduled to play its three group matches in the United States, with games planned in Los Angeles and Seattle.

The FIFA organization stated it is following the situation closely. A spokesperson from FIFA's working group was referenced in reports, though details of the organization's formal response were not fully disclosed in available statements.