Ongoing military airstrikes across parts of the Middle East have led to the postponement of several sporting competitions in the region and cast serious doubt over Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup.
Iran’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, is now uncertain following recent US and Israeli airstrikes inside the country.
Amid the escalating conflict, Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj acknowledged that the national team’s participation appears “unlikely” under the current circumstances.
“What is certain is that after these attacks, it’s hard to look at the World Cup with hope,” said Taj to TV news station Varzesh3. “It is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup, but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”
Iran is one of 19 countries currently placed on a banned travel list enforced by the US. This may prevent several Iranian players, such as Mehdi Taremi, who also plays for Olympiacos, from participating due to mandatory military service for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is currently classified and listed as a ‘Designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation’ by the US State Department.
While Taj remains uncertain over Iran’s involvement at the World Cup, FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, spoke at the International Football Association Board on 28 February and said it will “monitor developments”.
He alluded to the three Iranian figures attending the World Cup draw in Washington D.C. in December 2025 and ensured FIFA is in communication with the US, Mexico and Canada governments regarding the security and safety of the tournament.
The Iran Football Federation had initially boycotted the World Cup draw due to travel restrictions, but three delegates, including Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei, were granted visas to attend.
“We had the finals draw in Washington DC, in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating,” said Grafström.
“We will continue to communicate as we always do with the three (host) governments. Everybody will be safe.”
Iran was drawn to play against New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June in California, and its final Group G game against Egypt on June 27 in Washington.
Other sports impacted by the Iran conflict
Taj also confirmed the Persian Gulf Pro League has been indefinitely suspended due to the ongoing missile strikes on the country.
The US-Israel strikes on Iran have seen the country retaliate by attacking US airbases in neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. Some of the countries affected by this include the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) suspended all football matches that were set to take place during the Qatar Stars League until further notice.
The country is also set to host the 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain on 27 March at the Lusail Stadium in Doha. There has been no official statement from the QFA regarding the status of Finalissima.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed AFC Champions League fixtures in Dubai and Doha on 2 March have been postponed due to the current unrest. Games being played on 3 March in Abu Dhabi and Doha have also been postponed.
“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans,” said the AFC in a statement.
The England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens cricket game scheduled for 1 March was cancelled after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed in a statement it was “following official advice” from the government.
