The participation of the Iran national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 has been thrown into serious doubt following escalating geopolitical tensions.

Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, revealed that the team may be unable to travel to the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His comments come against the backdrop of rising conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Iran had already secured qualification for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 and were scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches on U.S. soil: on 15 June in Los Angeles against New Zealand, on 21 June — again in Los Angeles — versus Belgium, and on 26 June in Seattle against Egypt.

As of now, FIFA has not issued an official response. However, the federation president’s remarks underline the scale of concern surrounding Iran’s potential absence from football’s biggest stage.

In addition, Taj confirmed that the domestic championship in Iran has been suspended indefinitely. The decision affects not only local clubs but also foreign players currently competing in the national league.