Iran advanced to the World Cup finals for the seventh time by taking first place in the 2025 Asian qualifying group, and succeeded in advancing to the finals for the fourth time in a row.
Due to factors beyond the soccer team’s control, the Iranians may not be able to head to Los Angeles later this summer for the 2026 tournament.
more: A sporting event in the Middle East has been brought to an immediate halt due to the conflict in Iran.
Days after the first U.S. and Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran Saturday morning, no representatives of Iran or Qatar attended a FIFA World Cup team workshop in Atlanta, according to Sports Business Journal’s Alex Silverman.
President Donald Trump told POLITICO on Tuesday that he “really doesn’t care” if Iran participates. “I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They are going up in smoke.”
According to the White House website, the FIFA World Cup Task Force was established to “ensure the successful hosting of a world-class international event that reflects American values, security, and hospitality.”
“What is certain is that after this attack we cannot look forward to the World Cup with any hope,” Mehdi Taji, president of the Iranian Football Federation, told Iranian sports outlet Varzesh3 after the attack.
Iran is scheduled to open the World Cup against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.
Iran has participated in three consecutive World Cups since the 2014 Brazil World Cup, and a total of six World Cups. They are 3-11-4 in all tournaments. One of those victories was against the United States in France in June 1998.
In 1982, Iran withdrew from a FIFA World Cup qualifier after conflict with Iraq forced the national team to play matches on neutral grounds.
If Iran officially withdraws before the start of the tournament, a replacement team may be named under FIFA regulations. The Associated Press cited Iraq or the United Arab Emirates as replacement teams.
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