02.03.2026 16:06
As Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup becomes uncertain following the US-Israel attacks, potential visa barriers and the decisions to be made by FIFA have become the most critical agenda items for the tournament.
The situation of the Iranian National Team, which qualified for the 2026 World Cup following the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, has become a topic of discussion. The increasing geopolitical tension has raised questions regarding security and visa processes.
FIRST MESSAGE FROM FIFA: A SAFE TOURNAMENT
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström stated, "Our focus is to organize a safe World Cup that everyone can participate in." Sources close to FIFA indicated that there are currently no changes in the organizational plans.
Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, expressed in a statement to local media, "It is difficult to hope for the World Cup after this attack," emphasizing that the decision belongs to the sports authorities.
CAN THE US BLOCK IRAN?
The US administration had previously announced that it could grant limited visa exemptions for athletes and coaching staff under the World Cup framework. However, it is known that visa applications can be denied on national security grounds.
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, stated, "Every visa decision is a national security decision," theoretically keeping the possibility of the US blocking a team or individuals on the agenda.
SCENARIOS ON THE TABLE IF IRAN WITHDRAWS
According to FIFA regulations, the final decision regarding a federation's withdrawal or expulsion is made by FIFA. Possible scenarios include Group G playing with three teams or inviting another country in place of Iran.
Iran is planned to play its group stage matches in the US:
- June 15 – New Zealand (Los Angeles)
- June 21 – Belgium (Los Angeles)
- June 26 – Egypt (Seattle)
If another team is taken in its place, the Asian qualifiers ranking, intercontinental playoff results, or FIFA's special decision may be decisive. However, due to time constraints, such a change would create serious logistical challenges.
In the history of the modern World Cup, there has been no country that withdrew from the tournament after passing the qualifiers. A similar situation last occurred in 1950. Recently, a playoff was organized at the last minute after the Mexican representative Leon was expelled from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
HOSTING RISK DOES NOT APPEAR
Experts indicate that the likelihood of the US hosting being in jeopardy is low. There has been no signal from FIFA regarding changing match venues, nor is there an international boycott call.