FIFA is preparing for an urgent discussion on whether the Iran national team will be allowed to compete in the 2026 World Cup amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
On 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the International Federation of Association Football, or FIFA, is set to hold an urgent meeting to decide if the Iran national football team will participate in the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the host countries, given the current Middle East war situation.
It is understood that Iran is currently involved in the Middle East conflict following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel, raising questions about whether Iran can participate since they are scheduled to play three initial group stage matches in the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that he did not think it appropriate for Iran to compete there due to player safety concerns.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, stated last Tuesday that negotiations are ongoing with FIFA to relocate Iran's matches to Mexico. However, on the same day, FIFA issued a statement rejecting any changes, affirming that all teams must compete according to the originally announced schedule. Iran is set to play their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.