Iran’s football federation questions World Cup participation after US-Israeli strikes, as FIFA monitors the situation and regulations allow for team replacement.
PARIS: The possibility of Iran boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup has emerged following military strikes by the United States and Israel.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj expressed deep concern shortly after the attacks began. “What is certain at the present time is that with this attack and this cruelty, we cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj told Iranian television.
He also announced the immediate suspension of Iran’s domestic football league.
Team Melli, having qualified for their seventh World Cup, is drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. They are scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom stated the governing body is monitoring developments cautiously. “We had a meeting… and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world,” Grafstrom said.
A source close to FIFA confirmed no formal discussions regarding an Iranian withdrawal have yet occurred.
The situation presents a challenge for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has cultivated ties with US President Donald Trump. Other Gulf nations involved in the tournament, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan, have also been drawn into the conflict.
FIFA regulations grant the body broad discretion if a team withdraws due to force majeure. Article 6 of the 2026 rules states FIFA “shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary.”
This could include replacing Iran with another national association, likely from the Asian Football Confederation.
While Olympic Games have experienced boycotts, a comparable situation has not occurred at a World Cup. Historical precedents include Yugoslavia’s replacement by Denmark shortly before Euro 1992 due to war.
Russia’s national teams and clubs remain suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Sun Malaysia
