03.03.2026 10:50
Signals of a boycott are coming from Iran ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly organized by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, stated that participation in the tournament would be difficult following military attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran. Internal security issues in Mexico are also increasing the uncertainty surrounding the tournament. FIFA is faced with two scenarios: either Group G will play with three teams if Iran withdraws, or another country will be invited in place of Iran.
A new crisis has emerged ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly organized by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Following the military attacks by the USA and Israel on Iran, the situation of Iran, which has qualified for the tournament, has become uncertain.
BOYCOTT SIGNAL FROM IRAN
Mehdi Taj, the President of the Iranian Football Federation, stated, "It is very difficult for us to participate in the World Cup after this attack," indicating that they may boycott the tournament. Following this development, all eyes turned to FIFA. Meanwhile, the internal security issues in Mexico, one of the host countries, have also raised questions about the organization.
SCENARIOS AHEAD FOR FIFA
According to FIFA regulations, in the event of a federation withdrawing or being expelled, the final decision is made by FIFA. There are two main scenarios on the table:
- Group G playing with three teams
- Inviting another federation in place of Iran
If a team is replaced, the ranking in the Asian qualifiers or FIFA's special decision may be decisive.
MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED IN THE USA
If Iran does not withdraw from the tournament, all group matches will be played on US soil. So far, there has been no official signal from FIFA regarding changing the match venues.
Experts assess that despite the current war environment, the likelihood of the USA's hosting being at risk is low.