Reports from international media indicate that the Iranian national football team has canceled its two scheduled friendly matches in March, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Iranian Football Federation had initially planned for the team to play friendlies in Jordan against Nigeria and Costa Rica this month.
However, according to the Iranian newspaper Khabar Fori, the games were canceled due to widespread flight disruptions and political tensions in the region.
The report also noted that Nigeria has begun searching for alternative preparatory matches.
The planned contracts for these friendlies were reportedly surrounded by uncertainty because of the ongoing regional situation, leaving questions about how the Iranian Federation will prepare the national team during this critical period.
Meanwhile, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, hinted at the possibility that Iran might withdraw from the upcoming World Cup, although the team qualified on merit.
In a statement reported by Tasnim News Agency, Taj said: “We were not invited to the World Cup, we qualified in the best way. We do not see a good future for this tournament, but we will wait and see what happens.”
Iran has been drawn into Group G of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Egypt, New Zealand, and Belgium.
The cancellations add uncertainty to the team’s preparations as the tournament approaches.
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