Will the US-Israeli attacks impact Iran’s participation in World Cup 2026?

Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in March 2026, the Iranian football team's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is uncertain. Iran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases, escalating the conflict. The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US, is scheduled to begin on June 11, with Iran playing its group stage matches in the US against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Despite not officially withdrawing, a top Iranian football official acknowledged that the team's participation is now in doubt due to the ongoing conflict and its impact on tournament logistics. The tournament final is scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.

Following air attacks by the US and Israel, Iran's football federation president, Mehdi Taj, expressed doubt about Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Taj stated that the attacks on Iranian homeland make it difficult to look forward to the tournament. Iran is scheduled to play its Group G matches against Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt in the US. FIFA is monitoring the situation. Furthermore, team preparations will be affected by a 40-day mourning period for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during the attacks.