With just a few more months to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, uncertainty is growing over whether Iran will participate in the global tournament amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The competition, organized by FIFA, is set to take place across North America, including the United States, a nation currently involved in heightened conflict with Iran.
Recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel have intensified the crisis, raising questions about Iran’s involvement in the tournament.
Iran is scheduled to play its opening group stage match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. However, comments from the president of Iran’s football federation suggest participation may not be guaranteed.
According to reports, the federation’s leadership has indicated that the ongoing attacks have made it difficult to look ahead to the World Cup with optimism.
The reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has further complicated the situation, creating uncertainty over who would make a final decision on whether Iran will boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
