FIFA has stated it is monitoring developments following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, emphasizing a focus on ensuring all teams participate safely in the 2026 World Cup. Iran, drawn in Group G, faces potential visa and travel barriers amid escalating tensions. The Iranian Football Federation president indicated participation is now unlikely.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on major Iranian cities, including Tehran, prompting Iranian retaliation with missile attacks on Israel and US air bases in the Gulf region, such as those in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. US President Donald Trump described the operation as a "major combat operation" aimed at targeting Iran's missile capabilities.
Iran qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in March 2025 by topping Group A in Asian qualifying, securing their fourth successive appearance. They are scheduled to play in Group G against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, with their base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
At the International Football Association Board's annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom addressed concerns, stating: "I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did. We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world. We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating. We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe."
A US travel ban, enacted in June 2025, includes exemptions for World Cup athletes but has led to visa denials for some Iranian delegates previously. Several Iranian players have military backgrounds in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated a terrorist organization by the US, raising further visa risks.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, speaking on Iranian television, expressed doubts: "With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup, but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that." Iran's domestic league has been suspended indefinitely as a result. FIFA rules allow for replacement by a nominated alternate, such as the highest-ranked non-qualifier from Asia, potentially the United Arab Emirates or Iraq, if Iran withdraws.
One report claimed the strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though this was not confirmed in other sources. The conflict has disrupted regional sports, including postponed football matches in Israel and Qatar, and suspended flights in Dubai.
