Iran Says It Will Boycott the US, Not the World Cup

Tehran

 Iran has withdrawn its earlier threat to boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026 but has reiterated that it does not want to play its matches in the United States.

Iran’s football chief Mehdi Taj stated that the national team will continue preparing for the tournament even if it does not play its scheduled matches in the US.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across three host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Uncertainty over Iran’s participation arose in late February amid escalating tensions with the United States, raising concerns about the team’s security and match venues. As a result, Iran has refused to play its proposed World Cup matches in the US.

It is worth noting that Iran is among the first teams to qualify for the tournament.

According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, Mehdi Taj said, “The national team will hold a training camp in Turkey and play two friendly matches there. We will boycott the United States, but not the World Cup.”

Taj’s statement followed remarks by Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali, who had earlier suggested that the country might withdraw from the tournament entirely.

Iran’s men’s national team is currently scheduled to play matches in the United States in June against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, said that the final decision regarding Iran’s participation and venue arrangements lies with FIFA. The global football governing body has confirmed it is in contact with the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran and hopes all teams will participate according to the scheduled tournament format.

Iran has cited ongoing tensions and alleged attacks involving Israel and the United States as reasons for its stance. It remains to be seen whether FIFA will consider shifting Iran’s matches from US venues to another host country.

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