TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Iranian national football team's participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19 is in doubt. This is due to the recent bombing of Iran by the United States, one of the host countries along with Mexico and Canada.
Iran's Football Federation President Mehdi Taj stated that he does not know whether his country's national team can compete in the World Cup. "What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," Taj said to the sports portal Varzesh3 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as quoted from ESPN.
"The U.S. regime has attacked our homeland and this is an incident that will not go unanswered," Taj added.
The bombing has triggered an escalation of the war. The U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran continued for a second day on Sunday after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, making the future of the Islamic Republic uncertain and increasing the risk of regional instability.
The Iranian national team has secured a spot in the final round of the 2026 World Cup, where they are in Group G. They are scheduled to play in Los Angeles, facing New Zealand in the opening match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 15, before meeting Belgium a week later. In their final group match, they will face Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Despite the World Cup being months away, Iranian supporters have been banned from traveling to the United States. The ban was announced by the Donald Trump administration.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) continues to monitor developments in Iran, a country currently embroiled in a war. According to a report by Fox News, if Iran participates, athletes, officials, and family members will be considered exceptions for entering the U.S., despite being previously banned from entering America.
Iran's 2026 World Cup Schedule
June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand (Los Angeles)
June 21: Belgium vs Iran (Los Angeles)
June 26: Egypt vs Iran (Seattle)
Read: More Countries Issue U.S. Travel Advisories Prompted by Political Tensions
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