Iran unsure about World Cup participation in U.S. after military strikes

The president of Iran’s soccer federation has admitted uncertainty over whether the national team will be able to compete in this summer’s men’s World Cup in the United States following surprise military strikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel.

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj told Iranian sports outlet Varzesh3, as Iran traded strikes with Israel amid a rapidly escalating conflict.

The bombardment continued for a second day on Sunday after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that has thrown the future of the Islamic Republic into deep uncertainty and heightened fears of regional instability.

Iran have been drawn in Group G at the World Cup and are scheduled to play their group matches in the United States, opening against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The United States is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with the competition running from June 11 to July 19.

Complicating matters further, Iranian fans were already barred from entering the U.S. under the initial version of a travel ban introduced by President Donald Trump during his administration.

World football’s governing body, FIFA, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press regarding Iran’s participation, but said on Saturday that it is closely monitoring developments in the region.

With tensions continuing to rise, serious questions remain over the feasibility and safety of Iran’s involvement in a tournament set to take place largely on U.S. soil.