Iran has vowed to boycott the United States while still preparing to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving the nation’s participation in global soccer’s biggest tournament clouded by political tension and conflicting official statements.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, reiterated the country’s hardline stance toward one of the tournament’s co-hosts while confirming the national team’s ongoing preparations.
“We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup,” Taj said in a video released Wednesday by Iranian news agency Fars, according to Reuters.
The declaration follows escalating geopolitical tensions after U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran in late February, which triggered debate inside the country over whether the national team should withdraw entirely from the tournament.
Iran has not submitted any formal withdrawal notice to FIFA, leaving its World Cup status unresolved.
Conflicting political messages deepen uncertainty
Calls for a boycott intensified after Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali stated on March 11 that the national team could not participate in the World Cup “under any circumstance” following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during one of the air strikes.
Taj had earlier warned that Iran could not be expected to approach the tournament “with hope,” adding to uncertainty surrounding the team’s intentions.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly questioned whether Iran’s participation would be appropriate, citing safety concerns.
Despite the rhetoric, Taj confirmed that preparations remain active, with Iran currently holding a training camp in Türkiye and planning two international friendly matches.
The absence of any official action from Iran or FIFA has resulted in a diplomatic stalemate, described by one source to The Guardian as a “game of brinksmanship,” with each side seemingly attempting to avoid responsibility for a potential withdrawal.
FIFA resists schedule changes as alternatives emerge
All three of Iran’s scheduled group-stage matches are set to take place in the United States – against New Zealand and Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, followed by a clash with Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Mexico, a co-host alongside the United States and Canada, has emerged as a possible alternative venue. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo recently indicated her country would be open to hosting Iran’s matches if necessary, emphasizing Mexico’s diplomatic relations with all nations.
FIFA, however, has signaled no willingness to alter the tournament schedule, stating it expects all qualified teams to compete according to the fixtures announced on Dec. 6, 2025.
With no party taking definitive action, uncertainty continues to surround Iran’s participation. Should the team ultimately compete, political tensions could follow it throughout the tournament – including the possibility of a high-stakes Round of 32 meeting with the United States in Dallas if both teams finish second in their respective groups.
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