Geopolitical turmoil threatens Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19. World number 20 Iran are scheduled to play their World Cup group stage matches on U.S. soil — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. However, in light of the ongoing conflict against the United States–Israel alliance, it seems highly unlikely that the Asian side will take part in the tournament.
Iran qualified for their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup and were drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Teams were able to choose from a curated list provided by FIFA which cities they wanted to use as training camps, and it was announced last month that Iran, who are 20th in the world rankings, selected the Kino Sports Complex. While the Islamic Republic has not officially declared its decision to boycott the tournament, it seems the most obvious outcome in the backdrop of the country losing its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to the strikes. Otherwise, the theocratic regime should fall before the kick-off.
Uncertainty over Iran’s participation
Earlier this week, Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj indicated that U.S. and Israeli attacks “did not augur well” for the World Cup, adding that senior government officials would evaluate the situation before deciding on any action. In recent decades, there has not been an instance when a qualified team has failed to take part in the World Cup finals. In order to retain the full 48-team World Cup field, Iran would almost certainly be replaced if they withdrew from the tournament.
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US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has said that he does not care if Iran participates in the World Cup or not. However, he also did not categorically deny allowing the team and its support staff to enter U.S. territory for the tournament.
What will happen if Iran decides to boycott the World Cup?
However, a boycott is not going to be an easy decision for Iran. To begin with, mere participation, even without progressing from the group stages, could reportedly earn a national team around $9 million in prize money. By withdrawing, the Iranian Football Federation would be forfeiting this sum. FIFA will also ask for the return of about $1.5 million that was handed to every team qualified for the tournament for preparations, reports said.
Then there is the question of sanctions. If Iran pull out of the tournament, FIFA may suspend them from future competitions apart from imposing fines. The global governing body can impose a hefty $570,000 on any team for withdrawals occurring within 30 days of the opening match. The amount could be $280,000 if the team withdraws more than 30 days before the tournament kick-off.
