World Cup 2026: Timeline for Iran
afc insists iran will play despite growing uncertainty
According to the Associated Press, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary Windsor John said Iran is still expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking in Malaysia, John stated, “They are our member. We want them to play. As far as we know, Iran is playing.”
He added that the final decision ultimately lies with Iran’s own federation, noting, “It’s a very emotional moment, everybody is saying a lot of things. At the end of the day, it’s the [Iran Soccer] federation who should decide if they’re playing and, as for today, the federation ... has told us that they’re going to the World Cup.”
While the AFC aimed to clarify the situation, the statement instead highlighted how unclear the overall picture remains.
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Tensions began long time ago
According to reporting by Grey Whitebloom in Sports Illustrated, Iran secured qualification for the tournament in March 2025 after a 2–2 draw with Uzbekistan, continuing its consistent presence in recent World Cups.
However, political concerns quickly followed qualification. Early discussions focused on whether Iranian players, staff, and supporters would face restrictions entering the United States, one of the tournament hosts.
In June 2025, U.S. policy effectively blocked Iranian fans, and potentially media, from obtaining visas for the tournament. Iranian commentators criticized the move, arguing it unfairly targeted ordinary citizens rather than government officials.
Visa dispute and World Cup draw
The visa issue escalated in November 2025 when Iranian officials threatened to boycott the World Cup draw, calling the situation “unsportsmanlike.”
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Despite those threats, Iranian representatives ultimately attended the December event after visas were granted.
Iran was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, avoiding a politically sensitive matchup with the United States.
All of Iran’s group stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States, including games in California and Seattle, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Conflict escalates after military strikes
The situation shifted dramatically in late February 2026 following U.S. air strikes on Iran.
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According to Sports Illustrated, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj responded by saying, “We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”
Shortly afterward, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the issue, stating, “I really don’t care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to ease tensions, suggesting that Iran would still be welcomed at the tournament. However, Iran’s Minister of Sport rejected that position, saying the team could not participate “under any circumstance” following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Public statements exchanged
According to Sports Illustrated, tensions escalated further on March 12 as both sides exchanged public statements.
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Trump wrote, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran’s national team responded via Instagram, stating, “No one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
The statement continued, “The only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
Trump responded again by promising, “It will be the Greatest and Safest Sporting Event in American History. All Players, Officials, and Fans will be treated like the ‘STARS’ that they are!”
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Politics, not sport
Despite the AFC’s public confidence, Iran’s participation remains uncertain and increasingly dependent on political developments rather than sporting decisions.
According to both the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated, the final call appears to rest with Iran’s Football Federation, though external pressures from international relations, security concerns and FIFA’s position could ultimately shape the outcome.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Iran’s situation has become one of the most unpredictable and politically charged storylines surrounding the tournament.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, Associated Press
