Iran has reportedly threatened to withdraw from this
summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026 following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah
Ali Khamenei in joint US Armed Forces–Israel Defense Forces airstrikes. The
strikes, which targeted major Iranian cities including Tehran, come amid
escalating tensions in the region.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football
Federation, expressed doubt over Iran’s participation during an interview on
Iranian TV network Tehran TV. According to Marca, he said:
“With what happened today and with that attack by the
United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup. But the
sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”
Should Iran choose to participate, they could
potentially face the United States at SoFi Stadium in Dallas on July 3, if both
teams finish second in their respective groups. The statement comes just 107
days before Iran is scheduled to play its opening match against New Zealand at
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Mattias Grafstrom, speaking at an IFAB meeting in
Wales, said FIFA is monitoring developments but refrained from detailed
comment:
“We had a meeting today, and it would be premature to
comment on that in detail. But of course we will monitor developments around
all issues around the world… Our focus is to have a safe World Cup with
everybody participating.”
Iran earned qualification for a fourth successive
World Cup by topping Group A in Asian qualifying, establishing themselves as
one of the strongest teams in the AFC. They are currently drawn in Group G, set
to face Belgium and New Zealand in Los Angeles, with a final group stage match
against Egypt in Seattle.
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