AFC Confirms Iran's Commitment to Compete in World Cup

Key Takeaways

AFC confirms Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026 .

Iran has qualified and is set to play in Los Angeles and Seattle .

Concerns arose following US airstrikes, but the Iranian team remains determined .

Official withdrawal would be a historic first for the tournament.

New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has stated that it has not been informed officially by Iran about any possible withdrawal of its national football team from the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iran has already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament, which is set to occur across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The Iranian team is poised to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles and another in Seattle.

Concerns regarding Iran's participation arose after the country's sports minister mentioned that the national team might be unable to compete in the tournament due to US airstrikes conducted alongside Israel, which reportedly resulted in the death of the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic.

In response to this situation, AFC General Secretary Windsor John mentioned that the organization has only been advised that Iran intends to take part.

"This is a deeply emotional situation. Many opinions are being voiced. Ultimately, it's up to the federation to decide if they will compete, and as of now, they have assured us that they will participate in the World Cup. They are a member of our organization, and we want them to play. They earned their qualification...so we trust that they will address their issues and be able to join us," John told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

Previously, US President Donald Trump remarked that Iran would be allowed to participate in the tournament, though he suggested it may not be safe for them to do so.

The Iranian national football team firmly rejected such comments, declaring that no nation has the right to prevent them from competing in a FIFA-organized tournament.

"The World Cup is a significant international event, and its governing body is FIFA—not any single entity or nation. The Iranian national team, with their strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this prestigious tournament. Certainly, no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup; only a host country that cannot ensure safety for the teams could face exclusion," the team stated in an Instagram post.

If Iran were to officially withdraw, it would represent the first such withdrawal from the tournament in the modern era, compelling FIFA to promptly find a replacement team.

Point of View

It's crucial to recognize that the Iranian national football team's participation in the World Cup remains a topic of speculation. However, the AFC's confirmation indicates a commitment to the tournament. The team's strong stance against external influence reflects their determination to compete on the world stage.

NationPress

6 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Iran officially withdrawn from the World Cup?

No, the AFC has confirmed that Iran has not communicated any plans to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

When will the 2026 FIFA World Cup take place?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to occur from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What did the AFC General Secretary say about Iran's participation?

AFC General Secretary Windsor John stated that Iran has communicated its intention to compete in the World Cup.

What are the scheduled locations for Iran's matches?

Iran's national team is set to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

What was Iran's response to Trump's comments?

The Iranian national team firmly rejected Trump's remarks, asserting that no nation can prevent them from participating in a FIFA-organized tournament.