Iran, the US, and a World Cup That Starts in Three Months

Published: 2 March 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

With just three months to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States are casting a rare shadow over one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The crisis began with a U.S.‑Israeli military strike on Iran, sparking an escalation of violence in the Middle East and raising questions about whether Iran’s national football team will be able to participate in the tournament.

Iran, which qualified for the World Cup and is drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, had been slated to play all three of its group matches on U.S. soil — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle in June. However, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, has said he does not know if the team can travel to or compete in the United States given the current conflict and the broader political circumstances following the U.S. strikes. Taj suggested that “after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” underlining the uncertainty Iran now faces.

Beyond the immediate impact of conflict, practical issues complicating Iran’s presence include U.S. travel bans on Iranian passport holders, which were part of broader immigration and security policy changes in recent years. These restrictions mean Iranian fans and officials could face additional hurdles if the team does travel to the tournament — even in peacetime — intensifying the diplomatic strain tied to the team’s potential participation.

The governing body of world football, FIFA, has said it is closely monitoring developments and wants to ensure the tournament goes ahead “with everybody participating,” but it has stopped short of committing to a definitive plan if Iran ultimately withdraws or is unable to attend. FIFA secretary‑general Mattias Grafstrom said it is too early to draw conclusions and emphasised ongoing communication with the host countries to prioritise safety.

If Iran chooses to withdraw or is unable to attend, the tournament’s structure could face late changes, potentially opening a spot for another Asian team — for example Iraq or the United Arab Emirates — although no decision has been made. Organisers face the challenge of balancing sporting integrity with rapidly shifting international events, all against the backdrop of a tournament that is already historic in scale.

The Iran situation recalls past moments when politics and sport intersected dramatically. In the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Iran and the United States met on the pitch amid diplomatic tensions, in a match widely remembered for its symbolic significance beyond sport. That game did not stop either team playing, but it underscored how football can carry political weight.

As the World Cup opening day on 11 June approaches, football administrators, players and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether this year’s tournament — already set to be the largest in history — can proceed with all qualified teams present despite the geopolitical turmoil surrounding its hosts and participants.

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