The 2026 World Cup is approaching this summer, and one of the countries expected to compete is Iran. However, the ongoing conflict between the country and the United States and Israel has raised questions about Iran’s possible role in the event.
Here’s what the US and Iran had to say about the latter’s chance at the World Cup.
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11, 2026 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by three countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada – and is the first tournament to be held in three countries. Sixteen cities around the world will host the Games.
When is Iran scheduled to play in the 2026 World Cup?
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
Will Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup?
Iranian Minister of Sports, Ahmed DonemaliShe said she would not compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blaming the United States for the ongoing conflict.
“Given that this is a corrupt system [the U.S.] “Our leader was assassinated. Under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Dunyamali told state television. USA Today. “Our children are not safe, and basically, such conditions for participation do not exist… Given the malicious actions they carried out against Iran, they imposed two wars on us over the course of eight or nine months and killed thousands of our people. So, we certainly have no possibility to participate in this way.”
According to the President of FIFA Gianni InfantinoUS President Donald Trump He said that Iran is “welcome” to participate in the World Cup despite the tension. However, Trump said POLITICO And he doesn’t “care” if Iran participates.
“I really don’t care,” the Republican said in March 2026. “I think Iran is a badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
