Iran takes firm stand on World Cup participation amid U.S. conflict
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 and the United States will co-host the tournament with Mexico and Canada. Iran have already booked their place at the qualifying finals. But their participation has come under pressure because of the conflict between Iran and the United States, which began in late February and has spread across most of the middle east.
Even so, Iran’s football team does not plan to walk away from the tournament. Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said the team will keep preparing for the World Cup and will not pull out. At the same time, he said Iran will “boycott the United States” if their matches remain there.
MORE: Historic soccer country reps Jordan Brand for 2026 FIFA World Cup Iran are scheduled to play all three of their opening group matches in the United States. They are set to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. Taj said the federation is negotiating with FIFA to move Iran’s matches to Mexico instead.
“He says the team are due to continue their preparations for the World Cup with a game against Nigeria on March the 27th and then Costa Rica four days later in Turkey. Taj said this, the national team is holding a training camp in Turkey and will play two friendly matches there,” Sky Sports news anchor reported. The Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj says the country have no intention of pulling out of the World Cup but will "boycott America.
" Taj was quoted by the Fars News agency. pic. twitter.