The President of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has warned that recent military strikes by the United States and Israel could negatively affect Iran’s outlook toward the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
Speaking during a panel discussion on IRIB Channel 3, Taj said the attacks — which reportedly targeted sites in Iran over the weekend — have created uncertainty ahead of the global tournament scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
According to him, senior government and sports authorities in Iran will assess the situation before deciding whether any official steps should be taken regarding the country’s participation.
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“It’s not possible to say exactly what will happen, but there will certainly be a response,” Taj said. “The issue will be carefully studied by the country’s high-ranking sports officials, and a decision will be made on what comes next.
“For now, however, we must admit that because of the nature and severity of the attack, it is difficult for us to look at the World Cup with optimism.”
Despite the concerns, there has been no indication that Iran intends to boycott the tournament.
Iran secured qualification for a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance after topping Group A in the third round of Asian qualifiers last year. The team has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with matches scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.
