FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström confirmed that the organization is closely monitoring developments surrounding the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, amid circulating reports about a potential Iranian withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to ESPN, Grafström said that he read the news about Iran this morning in the same way you did. FIFA held a meeting today, and it is too early to comment in detail, but the federation follows developments related to all matters around the world.
He added: “We conducted the finals draw in Washington with the participation of all national teams. Our focus is on delivering a safe World Cup with all teams involved. We will continue our regular communication with the three host governments, as always. Everyone will be safe.”
Recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran have intensified tensions in the region, raising uncertainty about Iran’s participation in upcoming international competitions.
For his part, Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, stated: “With the American attack, it is unlikely that we will be looking toward the World Cup, but the final decision rests with the sports authorities.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Iran national football team has been drawn into Group G alongside the Egypt national football team, Belgium national football team, and New Zealand national football team.
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