Iran 'unlikely' to play at 2026 World Cup after US-Israeli attacks

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 1 Mar 2026 06:53 CST
• 2 min read

News

Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj has admitted they are “unlikely” to participate at the 2026 World Cup following US-Israeli attacks.

Iran booked their place at the tournament through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying process, and they have been drawn in Group G against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

However, their participation is now in serious doubt after the USA and Israel launched several attacks on Iran.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in an ongoing attack against the country’s leadership and military, and US president Donald Trump - who was recently awarded the FIFA Peace Prize - has urged Iranians to overthrow their government.

Iran have since retaliated with strikes across several Gulf nations, with Qatari capital Doha and the Dubai international airport among the targets.

In response, Trump posted on his social media website Truth Social: “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before.

“THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!

“Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The attacks could also have a major impact on the upcoming World Cup and speaking on Iranian TV, Iran Football Federation President Taj said: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup, but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”

If Iran withdraw from participation, their place will possibly be taken by Iraq - who are currently scheduled to play against Bolivia or Suriname in the World Cup play-offs at the end of March.

What have FIFA said?

Meanwhile, at the International Football Association Board's annual general meeting in Cardiff on Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said: “I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did.

“We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.

“We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating.

“We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe.”

The 2026 World Cup will kick off with Mexico vs South Africa on 11 June in Mexico City, while Iran’s first match of the tournament is scheduled to be against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 16 June.

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