World Cup 2026: Iran ready to boycott the United States without giving up on the competition.
Amid diplomatic tensions and logistical uncertainties, the Iranian national team is continuing its preparation for the 2026 World Cup, while at this stage refusing to play its matches on U.S. soil.
The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup persists. On Wednesday, the federation president, Mehdi Taj, confirmed that the team was continuing its preparation, while casting doubt on its presence in the United States. In a video circulated by the Fars News Agency, the leader stated a clear stance: We will prepare for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States, but not the tournament.
This stance comes amid strong diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States, which complicate the logistical organization of the tournament for the Iranian squad. According to the current schedule, Iran must play its three group-stage matches on U.S. soil: in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, then in Seattle against Egypt.
Ongoing discussions with FIFA
Facing this situation, the Iranian federation has begun discussions with FIFA to consider relocating its matches, possibly to Mexico, the tournament’s co-host. For now, the international body remains firm: the official schedule remains unchanged. Scheduled to begin in June 2026, the tournament will be held in 16 cities spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in an unprecedented 48-team format.
