Iranian Ambassador Ali Gholampour has issued a statement regarding the possibility of the Middle Eastern country's men's national football team boycotting the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Following a joint military offensive by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday (February 28), concerns have been raised about the Iranian national team's participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Following the death of the country's supreme leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at several neighboring countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as striking a British military base in Cyprus.
Since the conflict began, several sporting events have been cancelled; the Qatar Stars League has been postponed, while the one-day international match between the England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens, scheduled for Sunday (March 1), was cancelled due to security and protection reasons related to the ongoing conflict.
Concerns have also been raised about Iran's participation in the World Cup.
On Sunday, the president of the Iranian football federation said he does not know whether the national team will be able to participate in this summer's tournament.
"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to welcome the World Cup with hope," Mehdi Taj told "Varzesh3".
Iran has already qualified for the tournament and is expected to face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G, with all three of Iran's matches taking place in the US - two in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.
Meanwhile, Iran's ambassador to Kenya, Gholampour, has given an updated stance on the issue, acknowledging that the conflict could "jeopardize" the national team's participation.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, he said: "We don't know exactly what will happen and, if the situation continues, it will also jeopardize the participation of our national team."
US President Donald Trump has suggested that US attacks on Iran could continue for four weeks.
According to FIFA regulations, published in 2025: “If any participating member association withdraws and/or is excluded from the 26th World Cup, FIFA will decide on the matter in its sole discretion and take any action it deems necessary. FIFA may decide to replace the association in question with another.”
Iran automatically qualified for the tournament, while the United Arab Emirates were left out after being eliminated in the play-off stage.
It has been widely suggested that the United Arab Emirates could replace Iran, while Iraq could also be considered if they advance from the intercontinental play-off stage.
Yes, according to FIFA regulations: “FIFA has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire 26th World Cup) for any reason at its sole discretion, including in cases of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”
However, with three months left before the tournament, this could cause logistical chaos for the organizers, who are no doubt already planning the race.
The postponement of Iran's matches could also affect sponsors and broadcasters./Express newspaper/
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