Iran has qualified for this summer’s World Cup, but there were hints the country could withdraw from the tournament after the United States launched military action against the country.
Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup is in jeopardy as the US launches military action against Iran (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The chief executive of the U.S. Soccer Federation has given no indication that World Cup co-hosts expect Iran to withdraw from this summer’s tournament, despite U.S. military action against Iran.
Missile attacks launched by the United States and Israel over the weekend have put Iran’s qualification for the World Cup in question. Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj also gave no guarantees about whether his country would take part in the tournament, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, following the missile attack.
“Given what happened today and the US attack, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup match,” he said.
But U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson told Sky News that the World Cup co-hosts are “very supportive” of Iran competing in the tournament later this year.
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He said: “FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared at the weekend his intention for a safe and secure World Cup with all teams participating, and we certainly very much support that.”
Batson added: “We played Iran a number of times in the World Cup, but our goal was to win, just like any other team out of the 47 teams we can play in the World Cup.
“So we’re looking forward to making that happen.”
Iran has been drawn with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G and will play games in Los Angeles and Seattle. If they advance from their group, they could face the USMNT in the Round of 32 finals.
Donald Trump announced military action over the weekend (Image: Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA General Secretary Matthias Grafström attended the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board on Saturday and was asked about the situation.
“Like you, I read the news this morning (about Iran). We have a meeting today so it’s too early to comment in detail, but we will continue to monitor developments in all issues around the world,” he told ESPN.
“While we tied the all-team final in Washington, we are focused on hosting a safe World Cup with all teams participating.
“We will continue to communicate with the three (host) governments, as we always do in any case. Everyone will be safe.”
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