US‑Iran Conflict: FIFA Wants A Safe World Cup 2026 With ‘All Teams Participating’

In the aftermath of the United States military attack on Iran, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom stressed that the global football body remains committed to ensuring that all qualified nations get to compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with attacks on American bases across the Middle East, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain.

This conflict comes just three months before the Iranian team is set to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. All three of Iran’s group-stage matches are in the United States – two in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, and one in Seattle on June 26.

Iran’s Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, cast doubt on Iran’s participation in the tournament. “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup,” he said, “but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”

FIFA Monitoring Situation, Vows Safety

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board in Cardiff, Grafstrom said FIFA is monitoring developments regarding the US-Iran conflict.

“I read the news this morning the same way you did,” Grafstrom 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.

“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,” he added. “We will continue to communicate as we always do with three (host) governments, as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe.”

Iran confirmed their place in the expanded World Cup 2026 by securing a top-two finish in the AFC third-round qualifying group. This marked Team Melli’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall. They have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.