Iran is considering boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to escalating tensions with the United States and Israel, per reports.
The country’s Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, stated that it’s unlikely Iran will participate in the tournament, citing recent attacks by the US as the reason.
This decision comes after Iran qualified for the World Cup, scheduled to take place in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The Iranian team was set to play group-stage matches in the US, facing New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. If Iran withdraws, FIFA may replace them with another team, potentially the United Arab Emirates or Iraq.
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom emphasized the organization’s focus on ensuring a safe tournament with all teams participating.
The situation is being closely monitored, and no final decision has been made. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in history.
