Iran to play World Cup but boycott US matches
Iran will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but plans to boycott matches in the United States, officials confirmed in March, citing safety concerns after warnings from US President Donald Trump.
The national federation said the team remains committed to the tournament but is exploring options to avoid playing on US soil, where all their group games are currently scheduled. Iran has already opened talks with FIFA about relocating fixtures to Mexico amid rising tensions.
“We will prepare for the World Cup, but we will boycott the United States,” federation president Mehdi Taj said.
Trump had earlier warned that it may not be “appropriate” for Iran to participate due to risks to players’ “life and safety.”
A federation source added: “The priority is the safety of our players in the current situation.”
Iran, drawn with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, qualified comfortably but now face uncertainty over venues as FIFA maintains the original schedule for the tournament.