Iran’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now uncertain following recent United States and Israeli airstrikes in the Middle East.
After the attacks, which reportedly led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, admitted that the situation has created serious concern.
Speaking on Iranian television, Taj said: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup.”
He added: “But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Meanwhile, Mattias Grafstrom, secretary general of FIFA, said the organisation is monitoring the situation closely.
“I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did,” Grafstrom said.
“We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.
“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.”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei’s death in a post on Truth Social.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote.
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”
With tensions rising in the region, the football world is now watching closely to see how the situation may affect the tournament.
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