A week after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump downplayed concerns over Iran's participation in the US-hosted 2026 FIFA World Cup, while escalating conflict has stranded Iraq's coach and complicated visas for their intercontinental play-off in Mexico. FIFA vows to monitor for safe participation of all teams.
The US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, continue to disrupt preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11-July 19 across the US, Canada, and Mexico). Iran, in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, faces all group stage matches in the US—including at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Lumen Field in Seattle—amid a US travel ban on Iranian nationals. Exemptions apply for athletes, but the State Department may deny visas to those affiliated with the IRGC, a US-designated terrorist group; several Iranian players have such ties.
In a Politico interview, US President Donald Trump stated: “I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.” Iran's soccer federation president Mehdi Taj told state TV: “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, at the IFAB meeting in Cardiff on March 5, reiterated: “Our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating.” The governing body is in touch with federations and hosts.
Neighboring Iraq faces acute challenges ahead of its March 31 intercontinental play-off in Monterrey, Mexico, against the Bolivia-Suriname winner. Head coach Graham Arnold is stranded in the UAE due to airspace closures, and embassy shutdowns block visas for players, staff, and medics. The Iraqi team posted on Instagram: “Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware... several embassies remain closed, preventing... entry visas to Mexico.” Mexico is aiding by allowing European visa processing.
FIFA rules permit flexibility, like direct qualification. Precedents include the USSR's 1974 boycott and 1966 African withdrawals. Expert Simon Chadwick deems postponement unlikely absent wider spillover. Other qualifiers like Haiti face restrictions. All matches remain scheduled.
