Will US–Israeli Strikes Threaten Iran’s Place At World Cup 2026?

United States and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and Iran’s subsequent missile and drone retaliation have raised serious questions about whether Iran’s national team will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament just over three months away, organisers, football officials and fans are weighing the potential impact of a wider, prolonged escalation.

As of Monday morning, Iranian authorities reported at least 555 fatalities inside Iran. Casualties have also been reported in Israel and other countries across the region, and three US service members have been reported killed. The situation remains fluid and casualty figures could change as officials update their counts.

Why the World Cup Could Be Affected

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Iran is drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, and all three of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled on the US West Coast. A sustained escalation could complicate travel logistics, security planning and the ability of Iranian players and supporters to travel to the United States.

Team Melli’s Group-Stage Schedule (Local Times)

• June 15: Iran vs New Zealand — Los Angeles Stadium (9:00pm local / 05:00 GMT on June 16)
• June 21: Belgium vs Iran — Los Angeles Stadium (3:00pm local / 23:00 GMT)
• June 26: Egypt vs Iran — Seattle Stadium (11:00pm local / 07:00 GMT on June 27)

Officials’ Reactions

Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), said the attacks have made it difficult to look to the World Cup with hope and that Iran’s participation would be reviewed by senior sports officials.

"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 Grafström has said the governing body is monitoring developments closely and will continue to communicate with host governments as the situation evolves, but he cautioned it was too early to make definitive public statements.

Logistics, Fans And Potential Replacements

Even if the national team can travel, Iranian fans face practical obstacles. Iran was among countries affected by past US travel restrictions introduced under the Trump administration, and visa and travel arrangements remain a complicating factor for supporters hoping to attend matches in the United States.

There is no modern precedent for a qualified team voluntarily withdrawing from the World Cup and then being replaced; exclusions have typically resulted from sanctions or bans imposed by governing bodies (the recent Russia suspension is the most notable example). If Iran were to withdraw or be unable to participate, organisers would likely name a replacement to preserve the tournament schedule. Because Iran qualified through the Asian Football Confederation, any replacement would probably come from Asia. Based on qualifying standings, the United Arab Emirates is a plausible candidate; Iraq could also be in contention if it secures a spot through an intercontinental playoff.

Context And Record

Iran are currently ranked around 20th in the world and are the second-ranked team in Asia. The national side has appeared at seven World Cups, including the last three editions, but has not yet advanced beyond the group stage.

As the situation develops, FIFA, host governments and national associations will continue to assess safety, travel and logistical feasibility. Any formal change to Iran’s participation would likely be announced only after consultation among those stakeholders.