Iran's World Cup Participation in Doubt Amid U.S. Tensions

Iran's national football team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, the Iranian Football Federation, led by President Mehdi Taj, has announced that while Iran will participate in the World Cup, it will boycott matches held in the United States due to safety concerns stemming from recent geopolitical tensions. Taj stated, "We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States, but we will not boycott the World Cup."

ESPNIran soccer chief insists on World Cup participation despite US boycottIran’s soccer chief announces that the country will not participate in World Cup matches in the U.S.

In light of these concerns, the Iranian federation is negotiating with FIFA to relocate its group-stage matches from the U.S. to Mexico. Taj emphasized the need for a venue switch, citing U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the safety of Iranian players. Trump previously stated it would not be "appropriate" for Iran to play in the U.S. due to safety risks. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed openness to hosting Iran's matches, indicating that Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with all countries and is awaiting FIFA's decision.

Iran soccer chief insists on World Cup participation despite US boycottIran’s soccer chief announces that the country will not participate in World Cup matches in the U.S.ESPN

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their matches in the U.S., Iran's national team continues its preparations. The team is scheduled to play friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Turkey later this month as part of a four-nation invitational tournament. This tournament was relocated from Jordan due to regional conflicts. Taj confirmed that the team is holding a training camp in Turkey and remains committed to competing in the World Cup.

Iran soccer chief insists on World Cup participation despite US boycott

FIFA has stated that it is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts but reiterated the organization's commitment to using football as a means to promote peace. He expressed hope that all teams would compete according to the match schedule announced on December 6, 2025.

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Critics, including Beau Busch, the Asia-Pacific president of the football players' union FIFPRO, have called on FIFA to ensure the safety of all participants at the World Cup. Busch emphasized the need for a comprehensive human rights assessment to protect players and fans, highlighting FIFA's institutional responsibility to safeguard human rights during the tournament.

Iran’s soccer chief announces that the country will not participate in World Cup matches in the U.S.Iran soccer chief insists on World Cup participation despite US boycottESPN

While Iran's participation in the World Cup remains uncertain, the potential for moving their matches to Mexico raises questions about logistics, especially if Iran and the U.S. were to meet in knockout stages. The situation remains fluid, with FIFA's final decision on venue changes still pending.

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• "We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States, but we will not boycott the World Cup." — Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation

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• "FIFA can't solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to build bridges and promote peace." — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

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• "What’s critical is that FIFA undertake a really comprehensive human rights impact assessment." — Beau Busch, FIFPRO Asia-Pacific President

Iran’s soccer chief announces that the country will not participate in World Cup matches in the U.S.