Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Mar 2: The president of Iran Football Federation has said it remains uncertain whether Iran’s national football team will be able to play its upcoming World Cup matches in the United States following the recent U.S.-Israeli bombardment of Iran.

Federation chief Mehdi Taj told sports portal Varzesh3 that the situation has cast doubt over the team’s participation in matches scheduled in the US. “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj said, as Iran and Israel continued exchanging strikes amid a widening conflict.

The escalation follows joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, developments that have heightened uncertainty and concerns over regional stability.

Iran has been drawn in Group G of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and is scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21. The team is also set to face Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Iranian fans had already faced restrictions under an earlier travel ban announced by the Trump administration, barring entry into the US.

FIFA did not immediately respond to queries from The Associated Press regarding Iran’s participation but said it was closely monitoring developments in the region.