In little over 100 days, the United States is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament for which Iran has already qualified.
But escalating conflict in the Middle East is now threatening the nation’s involvement. On Saturday, the US launched attacks on Iran as part of a joint operation with Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes across the region. Football pundit Marco Ndlovu said the timing could not be worse.
“With 100 days left before the World Cup, this will definitely affect preparations and the tournament itself. The fact that Iran and the US are both involved in a war and a major football event means there will be problems,” said Nldovu. “I don’t see Iran going to the Americas for the tournament. But FIFA likely has a plan B because intercontinental qualifiers are still pending. For now, we must pray that this war de-escalates rather than escalates. If more countries get involved, the tournament could even be postponed, and that’s the last thing we want.”
Iran’s group matches are all scheduled in US cities, with two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. The president of Iran’s Football Association, Mehdi Taj, said it is unclear whether the team will travel. Officials in Iran are reportedly debating whether to participate or withdraw.
If Iran pulls out or is banned, FIFA may replace them with another Asian team, such as Iraq or the United Arab Emirates.
Ndlovu added that participation in the US raises multiple concerns: diplomatic tensions, visa restrictions for players and officials, and potential political protests around matches. “Security logistics could become increasingly complex if Iran progresses to later rounds. Major global conflicts historically affect international sports through increased security measures, disrupted flights, and higher travel costs for teams and fans,” he added. FIFA maintains that the tournament will proceed as planned, but the uncertainty over Iran’s participation looms large. Another Namibian football pundit, speaking anonymously, described the situation bluntly: “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Right now, the World Cup is the grass, and the ‘elephants,’ the US and Iran, are in a serious mess that could ruin the tournament for everyone.” “For the first time, a host country is at war with a participant,” the pundit added. It’s a test to see if football can triumph over politics. Right now, politics is winning,” added the source.
Iran has halted all local football activities and entered 40 days of mourning following the attacks and the killing of its leader. Players are grieving, unable to train, while fears grow over potential attacks or violent protests at US stadiums or hotels where the team would stay.