On Monday, March 2, Iran’s ambassador to Kenya, Alí Gholampour, warned that recent hostilities involving the Estados Unidos and Israel could threaten the participation of the Persian national team in the Copa del Mundo de la FIFA 2026. Gholampour stressed that regional stability is essential for the national team to compete in the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on June 11.

According to the Media Luna Roja iraní, U.S. and Israeli bombings have resulted in more than 550 civilian deaths. Among the victims were reportedly 171 schoolgirls from a primary school in the Minab district, southern Iran.

The Federación de Fútbol de Irán described it as “ethically and logistically unavoidable” to question whether competing on the soil of what it considers an aggressor nation would be appropriate. “Following this U.S. attack, it is unlikely that we will look toward the World Cup with hope,” the federation’s leadership stated, adding that the final decision rests with national authorities.

Iran, having qualified on sporting merit, now faces a dilemma balancing security concerns and national dignity. According to the official World Cup schedule, the team is set to play its group-stage matches in U.S. cities: June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles; June 21 against Belgium, also in Los Angeles; and June 26 against Egypt in Seattle.

The situation is further complicated by the possibility of a direct matchup between Iran and the United States in the Round of 32. Such a scenario raises questions regarding FIFA’s ability to guarantee the safety of a delegation representing a country currently engaged in conflict with the host nation.

A potential withdrawal of the Iranian national team from the World Cup would require FIFA to appoint a replacement team in accordance with its regulations.