Iran's World Cup Participation in U.S. Uncertain Amid Conflict

FIFA has Iraq next in line if Iran withdraws from tournament

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the United States, has been put in doubt due to an escalating conflict in the Middle East. The U.S. and Israel have targeted Iran in coordinated attacks, prompting an Iranian response that aimed missiles at U.S. allies. It is unclear if Iran's soccer federation could refuse to send its team to the tournament or if the U.S. government could block the team. FIFA has declined to comment, but the governing body has the power to replace a withdrawn team, likely with Iraq or the United Arab Emirates.

Why it matters

Iran is one of the top national teams in Asia and has qualified for six of the past eight World Cups. Its participation in the 2026 tournament, which is set to be the largest in history with 48 teams, would be a major storyline. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has raised serious doubts about Iran's ability to compete in the U.S. amid heightened tensions.

The details

The U.S. and Israel have targeted Iran in coordinated attacks since Saturday that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens more senior officials. This has provoked an Iranian response that aimed missiles at U.S. allies including 2022 World Cup host Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Iran's top soccer official Mehdi Taj said 'after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.' It is unclear if Iran's soccer federation could refuse to send its team or if the U.S. government could block the team.

  • Iran is due to play its three group-stage games in the U.S. from June 15-26, 2026.
  • On March 31, 2026, Iraq is scheduled to play an intercontinental playoff game with a World Cup place at stake.

The players

Mehdi Taj

Iran's top soccer official and a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation.

Gianni Infantino

The president of FIFA who has wide powers to shape any decision relating to Iran's participation in the World Cup.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who promised exemptions from travel bans for athletes and coaches arriving for major sports events like the World Cup.

Andrew Guiliani

The White House's top official overseeing World Cup preparations in the U.S.

Lionel Messi

The Argentine soccer star whose team Inter Miami was added to the 2025 Club World Cup lineup by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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What they’re saying

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

— Mehdi Taj, Iran's top soccer official

“We'll deal with soccer games tomorrow, tonight, we celebrate their opportunity for freedom.”

— Andrew Guiliani, White House's top World Cup official (Social media)

What’s next

FIFA will likely monitor the situation closely and make a decision on Iran's participation closer to the start of the 2026 World Cup. If Iran withdraws, FIFA has the power to replace them, with Iraq or the UAE as the likely replacements from Asia.

The takeaway

The escalating conflict between Iran, the U.S., and its allies has cast serious doubt over Iran's ability to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be the largest in history. This geopolitical tension could have major implications for the tournament and the global soccer community.