{"id":24776,"date":"2026-03-04T01:13:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T01:13:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/04\/u-s-soccer-chief-breaks-silence-on-irans-threat-to-boycott-the-world-cup\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T01:13:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T01:13:49","slug":"u-s-soccer-chief-breaks-silence-on-irans-threat-to-boycott-the-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/04\/u-s-soccer-chief-breaks-silence-on-irans-threat-to-boycott-the-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Soccer chief breaks silence on Iran’s threat to boycott the World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n
\n
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.<\/h2>\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup is in jeopardy as the US launches military action against Iran (Image: 2025 Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Given what happened today and the US attack, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup match,” he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
read more: Tottenham star reacts angrily as Richarlison slams ‘false’ World Cup comments<\/span><\/span>read more: KSI, former Premier League star joins Dagenham & Redbridge ownership group<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we\u2019re looking forward to making that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Donald Trump announced military action over the weekend (Image: Hector Vivas – FIFA\/FIFA via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
FIFA General Secretary Matthias Grafstr\u00f6m attended the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board on Saturday and was asked about the situation.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we tied the all-team final in Washington, we are focused on hosting a safe World Cup with all teams participating.<\/p>\n
“We will continue to communicate with the three (host) governments, as we always do in any case. Everyone will be safe.”<\/p>\nContent cannot be displayed without consent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts<\/p>\n
\n
This article contains affiliate links and we receive a commission from any sales we generate from them. learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a349<\/p>\n
\u00a335<\/p>\n
sky<\/p>\n
Get the deal here<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025\/26 season, saving you \u00a3336 and offering over 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n
Sky broadcasts at least 215 live Premier League matches each season, increasing to up to 100, as well as Formula 1, Darts, Golf and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"donald](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36801036.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_JS389924527.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"WASHINGTON,](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36657405.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2250174952.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"content](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article33404045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/)
<\/div>\n