Iranian ambassador Ali Gholampour has issued a statement on whether the Middle Eastern nation’s men’s football team could potentially boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Following a joint military offensive by the US and Israel on Iran on Saturday (28 February), concerns have arisen over the Iranian football team’s participation in the FIFA World Cup.
Following the death of the nation’s supreme leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Iran then responded by launching missiles and drones towards several neighbouring nations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar, as well as targeting a UK military base in Cyprus.
Since the conflict began, several sporting events have been cancelled, with the Qatar Stars League postponed, while the England Lions one-day international against the Pakistan Shaheens, which was due to take place on Sunday (1 March), was cancelled due to security and safety concerns related to the ongoing conflict.
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Concerns have also been raised about Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
On Sunday, the president of Iran’s football federation said that he does not know if the national team will be able to compete at this summer’s tournament.
“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj told Varzesh3.
Iran has already qualified for the tournament and the team is due to face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G, with all three of Iran’s fixtures set to take place in the US — two in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Kenya, Gholampour, has provided an updated stance on the matter, admitting that the conflict may “jeopardise” the participation of the national team.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, he said: “We do not know exactly what is going to happen and, if the situation continues, it will also jeopardise the participation of our national team.”
US President Donald Trump has suggested that the US strikes on Iran could continue for four weeks.
Who could replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup?
According to FIFA’s regulations, which were published in 2025: “If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the Fifa World Cup 26, Fifa shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary. Fifa may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
Iran qualified for the tournament automatically, with the UAE missing out before exiting in the play-off rounds.
It has been widely suggested that the UAE could replace Iran, while Iraq may also be considered if they progress from the intercontinental play-off.
Could Iran’s games be moved from the US?
Yes, according to FIFA’s regulations: “Fifa has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire Fifa World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”
However, with three months to go before the tournament, this could cause a logistical nightmare for organisers, who will no doubt already be planning for the competition.
Moving Iran’s games may also impact sponsors and broadcasters.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Football
Luke Davies