Iran's FIFA World Cup Participation Still On Track, Confims AFC

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 16:00 IST

The AFC says Iran has not notified any withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup despite war tensions, with the team still scheduled to play its group matches in the United States.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed it has not received any official notification from Iran suggesting the country intends to withdraw from the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Iranian national football team have already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, AFC general secretary Windsor John said the continental body still expects Iran to participate.

“It’s a very emotional moment. Everybody’s saying a lot of things," John told reporters.

“At the end of the day, it’s the federation who should decide if they’re playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going to the World Cup."

“They are our member. We want them to play."

Political Tensions Cloud Preparations

Iran’s participation has been thrown into doubt following escalating hostilities in the Middle East after joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran.

Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said the current situation made it “impossible" for the team to take part in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said Iran would be welcome to compete but suggested it might not be appropriate given the security situation.

“It’s a very emotional moment," Trump said last week, adding he believed it might not be safe for the team.

Team Insists It Will Play

Iran’s national team responded on social media, insisting that “no one can exclude" them from football’s global showpiece and stressing that the tournament is organised by FIFA and not Trump himself.

Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches in the United States: against New Zealand in Inglewood on June 16, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.

Ranked 20th in the world by FIFA, Iran have qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup.

(with agency inputs)

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