Iran Soccer Chief Defines Terms of 2026 World Cup 'Boycott'

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain despite conflicting statements from officials.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:35am

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Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran soccer federation, revealed that preparations for the nation's participation at the 2026 World Cup remain underway despite promising to 'boycott America,' one of the co-hosts of the competition. The threat of Iran's withdrawal from the World Cup emerged in the wake of U.S. and Israeli air strikes on the nation at the end of February. However, Taj offered an attempt at clarity, stating that the national team is holding a training camp in Türkiye and will play two friendly matches there. All three of Iran's group stage fixtures are scheduled to be held at U.S. venues, but Mexico has opened itself up as a potential alternative host for Iran's matches.

Why it matters

The ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran and the U.S. have created uncertainty around Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the U.S. This could have significant implications for the tournament and the global soccer community.

The details

Iran's minister of sport Ahmad Donyamali had previously declared that the national team could not participate at the World Cup 'under any circumstance' following the death of the nation's leader Ayatollah ‌Ali Khamenei during U.S. and Israeli air strikes. However, Taj's recent statement suggests that Iran is still preparing to participate in the tournament, despite the threat of a 'boycott.' The uncertainty surrounding Iran's status remains, with FIFA showing a distinct unwillingness to sanction any schedule changes.

  • In late February, U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran sparked the threat of Iran's withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup.
  • On March 11, Iran's minister of sport Ahmad Donyamali declared that the national team could not participate at the World Cup 'under any circumstance' following the death of Ayatollah ‌Ali Khamenei.
  • On March 20, 2026, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran soccer federation, revealed that preparations for the nation's participation at the 2026 World Cup remain underway.

The players

Mehdi Taj

President of the Iran soccer federation.

Ahmad Donyamali

Iran's minister of sport.

Ayatollah ‌Ali Khamenei

The former leader of Iran who died during the U.S. and Israeli air strikes.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has been outspoken on the matter of Iran's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo

The president of Mexico, who has expressed a willingness to host Iran's World Cup fixtures.

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What they’re saying

“We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup.”

— Mehdi Taj, President of the Iran soccer federation

“We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

— Mehdi Taj, President of the Iran soccer federation

“Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world, therefore we will wait to see what FIFA decides.”

— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico

What’s next

FIFA has shown a distinct unwillingness to sanction any schedule changes, and it remains to be seen if Iran will officially withdraw from the 2026 World Cup or if they will participate as scheduled.

The takeaway

The ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran and the U.S. have created significant uncertainty around Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the complex interplay between sports and global politics.