According to The Telegraphthe world football governing body is hopeful that the current crisis will subside before the tournament kicks off in June. Iran have already qualified and are scheduled to play three group stage matches in the U.S., two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
However, recent developments have put the team’s future in the tournament at risk.
Following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28, Iran retaliated with attacks across the Middle East. This rapid escalation has placed major international sporting events, including the World Cup, under uncertainty.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed skepticism about the situation on television.
“It is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup, but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that,” Taj said.
Despite these doubts, FIFA maintains that its plan to organize the World Cup remains unchanged. Speaking at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in Wales, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström confirmed the organization is closely monitoring the situation but remains committed to a safe tournament with all participants.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to start on June 11. Iran have been drawn into Group G, with matches against New Zealand (June 15 at SoFi Stadium), Belgium (June 21 at SoFi Stadium) and Egypt (June 26 at Lumen Field).
According to The Athletic, there are three primary scenarios if Iran do not compete: a voluntary withdrawal in protest, a withdrawal due to safety concerns, or the U.S. government blocking the team’s participation.
While the Trump administration previously stated that all eligible teams would be welcomed, existing travel bans on Iranian citizens complicate matters. Limited exceptions exist for athletes and delegation members, but last year, several Iranian officials were denied visas ahead of the draw in December.
According to FIFA, if a team withdraw or are disqualified from the tournament, the world football governing body has the sole discretion to decide how to handle a withdrawal. This could involve replacing the team or proceeding with a reduced group.
Replacing Iran would be logistically complex given the multi-stage Asian qualifying format. Iran qualified directly by topping their group. Other teams like Uzbekistan, Qatar, the UAE and Iraq navigated different paths, with Iraq aiming for qualification in intercontinental play-offs. If a replacement is needed based on merit, FIFA could look to the highest-ranked Asian team that failed to qualify.
However, the withdrawal (if it happens) could be very close to the opening day, creating significant logistical and organizational challenges.
No team have withdrawn from the World Cup after qualifying in the modern era. The last instance occurred in 1950, when multiple teams withdrew before the tournament, leaving only 13 participants.
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