TIranian Ambassador to Kenya Ali Golampour said on Monday that if the war between the United States and Israel continues, the Iranian national soccer team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11 and will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be “in jeopardy”.
Coach Golampur told a press conference in Nairobi that although his team is “ready” to play in World Cup matches, the current situation is “very uncertain”.
Iran bombs US military facilities in the Middle East in retaliation
“We don’t know exactly what will happen. If this situation continues, the participation of the national team will also be in jeopardy,” the Iranian diplomat added.
These statements came after Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj told Iranian media that the country’s participation in the tournament was “inappropriate” under the circumstances.
Iran had previously been in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, and were scheduled to play in Los Angeles and Seattle in the United States.
Withdrawal from the tournament, which will be held from June 11 to July 19, will require the appointment of a replacement team in accordance with FIFA regulations.
After the United States and Israel launched a coordinated attack on Iran on Saturday, Tehran responded with attacks against the Hebrew state and some of its neighboring countries, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.
