Iranian FA President Casts Doubt on 2026 World Cup Participation, Suspends Domestic League

Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, has addressed his country's position regarding the ongoing conflict with the "Zionist entity" and the United States, which began last night and is casting a shadow over Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking from Tehran to official Iranian television, Taj stated: "With what happened today (yesterday), and with this attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we will look forward to the World Cup, but the sports heads are the ones who must decide that."

Iran has qualified for the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to play its three group stage matches on American soil. They are set to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by Belgium on June 21 in the same city, and will conclude their group fixtures against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

These statements raise significant doubts about the fate of the Iranian national team, which has already secured its qualification for the tournament, with the final decision remaining in the hands of Iran's sports administration officials.

The head of Iranian football also confirmed the suspension of the local league until further notice due to the ongoing conflicts, placing the future of football activities in the country in a state of uncertainty.