Expert warns conflict could force FIFA to rethink 2026 World Cup plans

March 6, 2026 Oliver Obel

Football officials say preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are continuing as planned, even as rising tensions in the Middle East raise questions about whether all qualified teams will ultimately participate.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to attract millions of fans across North America. Organisers have repeatedly stressed that the event will go ahead as scheduled and that all teams are expected to compete.

Speaking to Sky News earlier this month, U.S. Soccer chief executive JT Batson said FIFA president Gianni Infantino intends for the competition to include every qualified nation.

“FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating. And we’re certainly very supportive of that.”

FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has also said the governing body is monitoring developments globally while working to ensure a “safe World Cup with everybody participating.”

Iran raises doubts about attendance

Despite those assurances, Iranian football officials have suggested the country’s participation may now be uncertain following recent military developments involving the United States and Israel.

Iran is currently scheduled to play its opening group-stage matches in the United States, including two fixtures in Los Angeles and another in Seattle later in June.

According to SPORTbible, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj questioned whether the national team would be able to attend the tournament after recent U.S. military action.

“With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup.”

Regional tensions intensify

Taj’s remarks came amid escalating conflict across parts of the Middle East. Reports indicate Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks across several Gulf states, further heightening instability in the region.

While the conflict remains geographically distant from World Cup host cities, the developments have prompted broader discussions about security and logistics surrounding one of the largest sporting events in the world.

The 2026 tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format and dozens of matches across multiple host cities in North America.

Experts say postponement remains unlikely

Sports business analysts say moving the tournament would be extraordinarily difficult at this stage.

Simon Chadwick, a professor who has previously worked with organisers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, said in comments reported by SPORTbible that postponing the event would present major logistical and political challenges.

“With only three months to go to the World Cup, postponement of the tournament to next year seems unlikely. Logistically, economically and politically, it would be a major challenge to reschedule the mega-event. So long as conflict remains contained within the Middle East, it would be hard to justify or explain postponement.”

He added that the situation could change if the conflict expanded beyond the region.

“However, if attacks spill over into Europe and North America, the matter would escalate and become much more serious.”

For now, there has been no indication from FIFA that Iran could be removed from the tournament, and organisers continue to signal that preparations are moving forward.

Sources: SPORTbible, Sky News