Iran threatens World Cup 2026 disruption: Reminders to World War II
FIFA monitoring tensions ahead of 2026 world cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, geopolitical tensions are beginning to cast a shadow over preparations for football’s biggest event.
The tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will mark the first time in more than three decades that the United States stages the competition.
However, according to reporting by Maria Letícia Gomes for the Daily Mirror, analysts and commentators have begun questioning whether escalating global conflicts could affect the tournament.
The concerns come as tensions involving the United States and Iran continue to escalate only months before the competition is scheduled to begin in June.
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FIFA officials say they are closely monitoring the situation as political developments unfold.
World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi said the organization is assessing events in coordination with international partners.
"If I had a crystal ball, I could tell you now what is going to happen, but obviously the situation is developing," Schirgi said.
He added that FIFA is reviewing developments step by step while working with global partners to evaluate the situation.
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Iran signals participation could be impossible
Questions about the tournament intensified after comments from Iran’s sports minister.
According to the Daily Mirror, Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamal suggested the country may be unable to participate in the tournament under current conditions.
"Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup," Donyamal said.
He added: "In view of the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars were forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people were killed. Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of participating in this way."
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Despite the remarks, analysts note that Iran continued to compete in qualification matches during 2025 even as tensions with the United States were already being reported.
Political reactions emerge in Washington
The dispute has also prompted reactions from political leaders in the United States.
When asked whether Iran should still be allowed to participate in the competition, US President Donald Trump offered a blunt response in comments to Politico.
"I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes," Trump said.
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According to Politico, the remarks came amid broader political tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Past conflicts have disrupted world cup before
Global conflict has disrupted football’s biggest tournament in the past.
The World Cups scheduled for 1942 and 1946 were cancelled during the Second World War when stadiums and infrastructure were repurposed for military use.
Political disputes have also led to boycotts during World Cup qualification and tournaments.
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For example, several African nations boycotted the 1966 World Cup after FIFA ruled that Africa would have to compete with Asia and Oceania for a single place at the tournament.
Similarly, the Soviet Union refused to play Chile in a World Cup playoff during the Cold War due to political tensions.
FIFA says tournament still expected to go ahead
Despite the geopolitical uncertainty, FIFA officials say preparations for the 2026 World Cup are continuing.
Heimo Schirgi said the organization still expects the tournament to take place and hopes that all qualified nations will ultimately be able to participate.
He added that the World Cup has historically served as a rare global event capable of bringing people together despite political differences.
Sources: Daily Mirror
