FIFA has confirmed it is prioritising the participation of all teams in this summer’s World Cup amid escalating tensions following U.S. military strikes on Iran.
The U.S. and Israel carried out airstrikes on several major Iranian cities, including Tehran, on Saturday, after weeks of rising diplomatic friction. Iran responded with missile attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the Gulf, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Iran qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup in March 2025 and is set to face New Zealand and Belgium in June, with matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The team is scheduled to be based at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona. World Cup officials in Los Angeles told The Athletic that they are closely monitoring the situation.
At a meeting of the International Football Association Board in Wales, FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom addressed questions on the potential impact of U.S.-Iran tensions. He said: “We had a meeting today and it would be premature to comment in detail. But our focus remains on ensuring a safe World Cup with all teams participating. We monitor developments worldwide and are committed to the participation of every team.”
The White House World Cup taskforce, the U.S. State Department, and the Iran Football Federation declined to comment. Iranian nationals remain subject to the U.S. travel ban implemented in June 2025, although exemptions exist for athletes and essential team staff attending major sporting events. Visa issues had previously affected Iranian delegates ahead of last year’s World Cup draw, with the White House citing national security as the reason for denials. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed confidence in FIFA’s efforts to ensure all players and staff can attend.
The military escalation has already disrupted sporting events in the region. The doubles final of the Dubai Tennis Championships went ahead, but the singles final between Daniil Medvedev and Tallon Griekspoor was cancelled due to Griekspoor’s injury. Football matches in Israel and Qatar were postponed, and Qatar’s beIN Sports moved its Premier League broadcast to London. The Finalissima 2026 between Argentina and Spain remains scheduled for March 27 in Qatar.
In cricket, the England Lions’ match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi was cancelled, and the departure of England’s women’s squad to a training camp in Abu Dhabi has been delayed. An ECB spokesperson told ESPN that the board will continue to monitor developments and official guidance regarding future trips.
