Iran Football President Questions World Cup Participation

The president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, has once again expressed uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His remarks come in the wake of five members of the Iranian women’s national football team seeking asylum in Australia following the Women’s Asian Cup.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the opening match on 11 June. Taj’s comments were made against the backdrop of heightened political tensions, as Iran is currently engaged in hostilities with the United States and Israel. Tehran has accused both countries of responsibility for a bombing at a school in Minab, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties at the outset of the conflict.

Speaking to Iran’s state television, Taj stated:

“The President of the United States has tweeted twice about providing political asylum to our players. If Australia refuses, then America will act. They have massacred 160 of our children in Minab, and now our girls are being abducted. In this situation, how can we be optimistic about a World Cup taking place in the United States?”

He added:

“Under such circumstances, who in their right mind would send a national team to compete in such a location?”

Iran has been drawn into Group G of the tournament, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The Iranian men’s team is set to play two of its matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

Meanwhile, the Iranian women’s team, which participated in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, faced a situation that prompted the asylum requests. After being eliminated in the group stage, Australia granted refuge to a total of seven team members—six players and one support staff member. Initially five players received asylum, followed by two more.

During a group match against South Korea, some Iranian players initially refused to sing the national anthem, earning the label of “traitors” on Iranian state television. Fearing potential punishment upon return, they sought asylum in Australia. Subsequent matches saw the players performing the anthem.

Taj insisted,

“Our women’s national team has sung the national anthem and given the military salute. Nonetheless, we have received unverified reports that five female players were forcibly removed and prevented from leaving Australia. Unfortunately, Australian police intervened after the match, reportedly escorting one or two players from their hotel.”

The unfolding situation casts serious doubt over Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, raising concerns within both sporting and diplomatic communities worldwide.