Mushroom Cloud Of Uncertainty! Doubt Shrouds Iran's Participation At World Cup After Airstrikes

Last Updated:March 01, 2026, 13:24 IST

Iran has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, however, the situation will be closely monitored in light of the US airstrikes

Reports suggesting Iran has threatened to withdraw from the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America emerged after US and Israeli airstrikes allegedly killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Middle Eastern nation booked their berth in the 2026 edition of the World Cup, which is slated to be held across America, Canada, and Mexico this summer. Iran has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. However, the situation will be closely monitored in light of the US airstrikes.

The development follows the US and Israel launching a major offensive across Iran, leading Tehran to carry out retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, targeting Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait—all of which host US bases—as well as Israel.

“With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup," Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation said following the air strikes.

‘But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that,’ he added.

Life in the Middle East was brought to a halt as missiles targeting busy centres as tensions reached boiling point in a sudden flash.

If Iran do not make it to North America, it has been suggested that the United Arab Emirates could replace them at the FIFA showpiece scheduled to get underway in June.

FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom stated, “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," he added.

“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," he concluded.

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