World Cup co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico have expressed determination to ensure Iran participates in this summer’s tournament despite escalating geopolitical tensions and fears of a potential boycott.
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Speculation emerged over the weekend that the Iranian national team could withdraw from the competition following heightened violence involving the United States and Israel. Airstrikes reportedly hit cities across Iran after a joint U.S.–Israel military operation on Saturday and Sunday, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran and spreading instability across the Middle East just months before the tournament.
Despite the tensions, tournament organizers remain hopeful that Iran will honour its qualification and compete.
US Soccer CEO JT Batson told Sky News that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had reiterated plans for a safe and secure tournament with full participation.
“FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating,” Batson said. “And we’re certainly very supportive of that.”
He added that the United States would approach any potential fixture against Iran like any other opponent. “We played Iran a number of times in the World Cup and just like any other team of the 47 other teams we could play, our goal would be to win. We look forward to doing just that.”
However, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj appeared less certain about participation. Speaking on Saturday, he said: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup. But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”
Infantino, who previously expressed hopes that the tournament would promote global unity, reiterated his desire for the World Cup to serve as a moment of peace. “I hope so much it will be a moment of peace. I hope we can contribute to unite a little bit the world. I think the world really needs it,” he said.
Iran have been drawn in a group alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. They are scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, with the possibility of facing the United States in the Round of 32 should both teams finish second in their respective groups. Such a clash would take place on June 3 in Dallas if the US, under Mauricio Pochettino, finish runners-up in a group that includes Paraguay, Australia, and another qualifier yet to be confirmed.
There are also concerns regarding Iranian supporters travelling to the United States due to an existing travel ban imposed by former President Donald Trump, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström acknowledged the rapidly evolving developments, saying the organization is closely monitoring events.
“I read the news the same way as you did this morning,” Grafström said. “It’s a bit premature to comment in detail, but of course we will monitor developments.”
He added that FIFA’s focus remains on delivering a safe and inclusive tournament, with continued communication between football authorities and the three host governments.
“We had the finals draw in Washington DC where all teams participated. Our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating. We’ll continue communicating with the three host governments – Mexico, Canada, and the USA – moving forward,” he said.
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