AFC Says Iran Still Set to Play at 2026 World Cup

Asian Football Confederation says Iran national football team is still expected to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Comments follow uncertainty surrounding the team’s participation amid regional tensions and remarks from Donald Trump.
Iran’s football federation has told the AFC that the team intends to take part in the tournament.

A leading Asian football official has said Iran are still expected to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Asian Football Confederation general secretary Windsor John said the governing body has received no indication that Iran will withdraw from the tournament.

“They are our member. We want them to play,” John said. “As far as we know, Iran is playing.

“It’s a very emotional moment, everybody is saying a lot of things. At the end of the day, it’s the federation who should decide if they’re playing and, as for today, the federation has told us that they’re going to the World Cup.”

Debate about Iran’s participation intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media that the Iranian team would be welcome at the World Cup but suggested it might not be appropriate for them to attend “for their own life and safety.”

The Iran national football team responded on social media by stating that “no one can exclude” them from the tournament, noting that the competition is organised by FIFArather than any individual government.

Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches in the United States. Their opening game is set to take place in Inglewood against New Zealand national football team on June 16.

They will then face the Belgium national football team on June 21 before completing their group fixtures against the Egypt national football team in Seattle on June 27.

Concerns about Iran’s participation had been raised after Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that current circumstances could make it impossible for the team to compete.

Despite that uncertainty, Iran remain one of Asia’s strongest sides. The team is currently ranked 20th in the world by FIFA and has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup.

Before the tournament begins, Iranian football officials are also expected to attend FIFA’s annual congress on April 30 in Vancouver.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.