FIFA World Cup 2026 changes nothing as USA bombs Iran: Wild world we live in
With just over three months until kickoff, Fifa is monitoring rising tensions between the United States and Iran as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup across North America.
According to Sundayguardianlive, the United States and Israel carried out missile strikes on Iran on 28 February. President Donald Trump described the action as a "major combat operation". Tehran later responded with attacks targeting United States military bases in the Gulf, including facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran have already qualified for the expanded World Cup 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. They were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Two of their scheduled group matches are set to take place in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, followed by a third fixture in Seattle on 26 June.
However, uncertainty now surrounds whether Iran will ultimately participate in the tournament given the escalating conflict and the political implications surrounding travel, security and diplomatic relations.
Read also: War tensions put Iran’s 2026 World Cup dream at risk
FIFA response under growing scrutiny
Speaking at the International Football Association Board annual meeting in Cardiff, Fifa Secretary General Mattias Grafström confirmed that discussions had begun inside the organisation.
"I read the news about Iran this morning the same way you did," he said. "We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world."
Grafström added that planning remains focused on safety. "We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating. We will continue to communicate as we always do with three host governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe."
His remarks signal that Fifa is not yet considering structural changes to the tournament, but security coordination with the three host governments is ongoing.
Read also: Finalissima, Argentina vs Spain on hold, as Qatar in military crisis
Visa barriers and political sensitivities
According to Inside The Games, Iran is among 19 nations placed under a full suspension category within an expanded United States travel ban. However, exemptions apply to "any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event".
A dedicated tournament visa known as the Fifa Pass has also been introduced for supporters, although it does not override existing national restrictions.
Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj has previously warned that certain players and staff could encounter visa complications due to past military service. Several members of the national squad have served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the United States government designates as a foreign terrorist organisation. United States authorities have not publicly clarified how such cases would be handled.
In practical terms, the travel restrictions do not automatically ban Iran from the tournament. Sporting exemptions within the United States policy allow athletes, coaches and essential staff to enter for major international events such as the World Cup. However, individual visa reviews and heightened security screening could still create complications, particularly for players or officials with past military affiliations, leaving a degree of uncertainty ahead of kickoff.
Read also: Mourinho: Prestianni career “over” if guilty
Such scrutiny could lead to delayed visa approvals or, in rare cases, individual entry refusals, potentially disrupting squad preparations and prompting last-minute diplomatic discussions. Even isolated cases could increase logistical and security pressures in the lead-up to Iran’s matches.
Uncertainty over Iran participation
Reports has suggested tht strikes had killed Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Taj publicly questioned whether participation in the tournament would remain feasible. Speaking to Tehran television, he said: "Given what happened and this US attack, it is unlikely we can look forward to the World Cup, but the final decision must be made by the relevant sports authorities."
Under Fifa regulations, a country that withdraws before the start of the competition can be replaced, typically by another team from the same confederation based on qualifying performance. No official decision or contingency plan has been announced.
From Iran’s point of view, the team is allowed to play because it qualified through results on the field, those are the rules. Visa decisions, on the other hand, should be clear, consistent and based on the existing sports exemptions, not politics. The host countries should also guarantee the safety of the players and staff. If the conflict made participation impossible for reasons beyond the team’s control, Iran could argue that it should not face punishment for withdrawing.
Read also: Yamal smashes Barcelona record while fasting for Ramadan
Regional shockwaves hit other events
Instability has already affected sporting calendars across the Middle East. Bahrain reported attacks on facilities hosting United States forces, while Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed their airspace.
Qatar has postponed all sporting events scheduled in the country, including the planned Finalissima between Spain and Argentina. The Qatar Football Association said in a statement: "All tournaments, competitions and matches are postponed until further notice. The new dates will be announced in due course through the Association's official channels."
The unfolding geopolitical crisis presents an early test for organisers of what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history. Only time will tell if FIFA has the political capability and influence to make all this go slowly dissapear while planning World Cup 2026
Sources: Sundayguardianlive, Inside The Games
