Iran remains on track to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite speculation that the ongoing conflict involving the country could affect its participation in the tournament.
Officials from the Asian Football Confederation said Monday they have received no indication that Iran will be excluded from the global competition. AFC General Secretary Windsor John told reporters that Iran remains a member federation and is expected to participate.
He said the AFC has been informed by the Iranian football federation that the national team still intends to play in the tournament, which begins in June and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The comments come after speculation about Iran’s participation intensified following remarks by Donald Trump. Trump said on social media that Iran’s team would be allowed to participate but questioned whether it would be appropriate for safety reasons during the current conflict.
Iran’s national football team responded online, stating that no individual country could exclude it from the tournament because participation decisions are made by FIFA.
Although Iran’s sports minister earlier suggested the country’s current situation could make participation difficult, football officials have continued to signal their intention to compete.
Iran has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup and is currently ranked 20th in the world by FIFA.
The team is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States. Iran will face New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 16, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21. The team will conclude its group stage in Seattle against Egypt on June 27.
Before the tournament begins, officials from the Iranian football federation are expected to attend FIFA’s annual congress scheduled for April 30 in Vancouver.