“Iran at the World Cup? I’m broke, I don’t care.” What can happen towards the World Cup

Will Iran participate in the 2026 World Cup? What’s happening

Sport is not a priority at the moment, obviously, but the hope is that between 100 days – when the kick-off is scheduled for World Cup starts on June 11th – it will be possible to concentrate on the tournament which will involve 48 national teams. The last teams admitted will be defined by playoffwhich in Europe also involve Italy, in the hunt for a pass to the tournament.

Iran, who achieved direct qualification on the field, are expected to make their debut in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15. Therefore, he should play again in the Californian city on June 21st against Belgium and face Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Not only that: because if the national team were to finish second in its group and if the same thing happened to the United States, the two teams could face each other in Dallas on July 3 in a direct elimination match.

Scenario, to date, very complicated but still worth taking into consideration. As well as alternative possibilities linked to the hypothesis of a boycott by Iran. If this step were to materialize, there would be a gap left in the World Cup draw. How would it be filled? Would there be prospects of ‘repeechage’ for national teams that have been excluded up to now? The contours are currently to be clarified.

“What is certain is that after this attack we cannot expect to look forward to the World Cup with hope”, the words of the president of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Tajat the portal Varzesh3. The final decision would be up to the leadership of the country and would obviously be conditioned by relations with the United States. The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has beheaded Tehran’s leaders and it is not clear whether the operation launched by the United States and Israel will lead to real ‘regime change’.

FIFA, for now, is not saying anything. Mattias Grafstromsecretary general of the International Football Federation, responded to questions from the Cnn: “It is premature to comment in depth, obviously we are following the developments of all situations at an international level. All countries participated in the draw for the final phase, our goal is to organize a safe World Cup, with everyone’s participation.”