KUALA LUMPUR — Iran could withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid a sharp escalation in hostilities with the United States following reports that its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed, a development confirmed by Iranian state media after joint US–Israeli airstrikes.
The conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel intensified dramatically last Friday, with several major cities , including Tehran were reportedly struck by military attacks.
President Donald Trump has vowed to respond with unprecedented force, while Iran retaliated by firing missiles at targets in neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
British fighter jets have also been deployed to protect allied nations from potential counterattacks, drawing at least five World Cup-bound teams into the unfolding crisis.
The escalation comes just three months before the tournament, which is scheduled to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran had already secured qualification for the finals.
However, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, hinted that the country may pull out of the competition.
“Given what has happened today and the attacks by the United States, it seems unlikely that we will be able to compete in the World Cup,” Taj told Marca.
“But sports authorities are the ones who have to make that decision,” he added.
Iran were drawn in a group alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with their opening match scheduled for the morning of June 16. Their fixtures are set to be played in Los Angeles and Seattle, and they could potentially face hosts the United States in the Round of 32.
Despite the geopolitical turmoil, leaders at FIFA remain hopeful that the tournament will proceed as planned.
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström said the organisation is closely monitoring developments.
“We are following the news reports like everyone else. We’ve held meetings and it is still too early to comment in detail,” he said.
“Of course, our focus is on ensuring the World Cup takes place safely, with all qualified teams able to participate.” — March 2, 2026