Head of Iran’s Soccer Federation Doubts Country Will Play in 2026 World Cup Due to US-Israeli strikes

Don’t expect to see the Iranian national soccer team at the 2026 World Cup, according to the president of the Iranian Football Federation, who cast doubt on his team’s presence after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which began this weekend.

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj told sports portal Varzesh3.

U.S. and Israeli forces began striking the Iranian capital, Tehran, and other vital government installations in the surrounding area on Saturday. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the first round of strikes.

“Iran was drawn in Group G of the World Cup and is scheduled to play in Los Angeles, where it will face New Zealand and Belgium on June 15 and 21, respectively, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26,” reports the Associated Press.

“The United States will host the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

“Iranian fans were already barred from entering the United States in the first iteration of the travel ban announced by the Trump administration. »