Iran's 2026 World Cup Dreams Hang in Balance as Trump Dismisses Concerns

Following the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East, concerns regarding Iran's involvement in this summer's World Cup have intensified.

Iran has participated in the last three World Cup competitions and was among the first three nations (after Japan and New Zealand) to secure qualification for this summer's tournament in North America. The team was placed in Group G and is set to begin group stage matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, before heading to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. Should both the U.S. and Iran advance as runners-up in their groups, they may meet in the Round of 32 in Dallas on July 3.

As reported by Politico, FIFA organized a three-day gathering in Atlanta this week for tournament participants to discuss logistical arrangements regarding venues and match coordination. Iran was notably absent from this meeting, raising additional doubts about the country's tournament participation.

What Did President Donald Trump Have to Say?

What Did President Donald Trump Have to Say?

"It doesn't matter to me," whether Iran takes part, President Trump stated to Politico on Tuesday morning. "I believe Iran is a severely weakened nation. They're operating on empty."

The United States and Israel conducted "preventive" air operations against Iran on Saturday as part of President Trump's "significant military action," resulting in the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and initiating an intensified regional confrontation across the Middle East.

Iran has retaliated with extensive missile and drone strikes against Israel, U.S.-allied nations Oman and Saudi Arabia, and multiple countries hosting U.S. military installations in the Persian Gulf. Regional casualties have already exceeded 1,000, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

This escalating confrontation occurs less than three months after FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded Trump the first FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw ceremony in December.

What Has Iran Said?

What Has Iran Said?

"What remains clear is that following this assault, we cannot reasonably anticipate approaching the World Cup with optimism," Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj stated to Iranian sports publication Varzesh3 after the attacks.

Before the hostilities began, Iran was already among two World Cup-qualified countries, along with Haiti, affected by Trump's strictest travel restrictions, implemented through executive order in June 2025 prohibiting all immigration and tourist visas for Iranian citizens based on Iran's designation as "a state sponsor of terrorism," per the White House's declaration.

While Iran's players, coaching staff and support team would receive exemptions from the ban during the World Cup, additional visa waivers—including for senior government representatives—would remain at the State Department's judgment. For instance, in December, not all Iranian delegates planning to attend the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. received clearance, including Taj.

"Our goal is to ensure a safe and secure World Cup," FIFA World Cup task force director Andrew Giuliani explained in a January interview. "Certainly, we want the teams present and competing, but we also recognize that most supporters will come here to experience an amazing World Cup and enhance the atmosphere. However, it would be unwise, considering Iran's current situation, to assume we would simply open our borders."

What Happens If Iran Doesn't Compete?

What Happens If Iran Doesn't Compete?

Giuliani appeared unconcerned about Iran's tournament status following the military strikes.

"We'll address football matches tomorrow," he wrote Saturday on X regarding Iran. "Tonight, we honor their chance for liberation."

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FIFA's regulations concerning a country's withdrawal or exclusion from the competition lack detailed guidance.

Article 6.5 of FIFA's 2026 World Cup regulations, released last year, covers withdrawals due to exceptional, unexpected circumstances: "If a Participating Member Association withdraws or a match cannot be conducted or is abandoned due to force majeure, the authorized FIFA organizing body (including the Tournament Operation Centre) shall determine the matter at its complete discretion and implement whatever measures are considered necessary."

Article 6.7 subsequently addresses a nation's withdrawal or exclusion more generally, again stating that "FIFA shall determine the matter at its complete discretion and implement whatever measures are considered necessary," including potentially choosing "to substitute the Participating Member Association in question with another association."

FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafström announced Saturday that the organization would "observe developments concerning all global issues." No additional statements have been issued by the organization since then.

Considering the recent nature of the military operations against Iran, a decision may require several weeks.