KUALA LUMPUR – The Iranian men’s national football team remains on track to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) closely monitoring developments to ensure compliance with tournament regulations.
AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John stressed during a press conference at Wisma FAM today that there has been no official indication from the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) that the team will miss the tournament.
“For the World Cup, FIFA is directly dealing with them. But they occupy the AFC’s quota of eight and a half. So if you look at that role, yes, we are monitoring whether they are playing or not,” Windsor said, emphasising that Iran’s participation remains on track.
“As of today, the IFF has said it is playing. It has told us that they are going to the World Cup. So we don’t see anything else. Everybody is emotional; there are many opinions, but at the end of the day, it is the federation that decides,” he added.
Windsor’s remarks come amid conflicting reports surrounding Iran’s participation in the quadrennial event, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Iran secured its spot in the tournament last year after a 2–2 draw with Uzbekistan guaranteed its place in the top two of AFC Group A, marking the country’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and its seventh overall.
The result made Iran the sixth team from Asia to qualify for the expanded 48-team finals.
In recent weeks, Iranian officials have publicly questioned participation amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that Iran “cannot participate” under current conditions, citing safety concerns and the political context following airstrikes and regional conflict.
Reports indicate that all three of Iran’s group-stage fixtures are scheduled in the United States, with matches planned in Los Angeles and Seattle against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, raising logistical and security considerations amid strained diplomatic relations.
Despite public statements from government officials casting doubt on participation, IFF president Mehdi Taj has described reports of a withdrawal as “unfounded” and stressed that preparations, training camps and friendly matches are continuing as planned.
FIFA, the governing authority of the World Cup, has not confirmed any changes to Iran’s status.
Under FIFA regulations, unilateral withdrawal from the World Cup could trigger disciplinary action, including fines and sporting sanctions, if formal notification is received. – March 16, 2026