Iran's World Cup 2026 Dilemma: Shadow over the Los Angeles Opener
10 March 2026
Iran's World Cup Dilemma Ahead of 2026
Iran has issued fresh warnings about possibly withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup, coming just three months before their group-stage opener.
The tournament is slated to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Iran warned it could boycott the World Cup after reported American airstrikes that reportedly killed the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
There was further anger after Australia granted asylum to five of Iran's women’s national team players, a move linked to intervention claims involving former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to The Sun, Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, voiced doubts about whether the team would travel by air to the World Cup.
He said: "Trump posted two tweets urging asylum for our players; if Australia doesn’t act, he would do it himself."
He added: "He has created 160 martyrs by killing our girls in Minneapolis, and now holds our girls as hostages."
He continued: "How can anyone be optimistic about a World Cup in the United States under these circumstances?"
Mehdi Taj concluded that the final decision rests with the sports authorities.
The Iranian campaign is due to begin with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, with Belgium and Egypt also in Group G. If Iran withdraws, the door could open for Iraq or the United Arab Emirates to take its place.
(Read also) Hiding from the camp… Australian government steps in to resolve Iran women players crisis
Taj, 66, had already expressed doubts about Iran's participation last week. He admitted: "The current reality is that with this attack and this brutality, we cannot look forward to the World Cup with any hope."
He added that the final decision rests with the sports authorities.
Iran's World Cup bid is set to start against New Zealand in Los Angeles, with Belgium and Egypt also in the group. The article hints that Iran could concede their spot to Iraq or the UAE if they withdraw.
Punchlines: If Iran pulls out, the World Cup trophy might finally get a passport—traveling more than the team ever did. And if geopolitics paid admission, even a football match would require a visa with a joke stamp on it.
