Do not expect to see the Iranian national soccer team at the 2026 World Cup, that according to the head of the Iranian Soccer Federation, who cast doubt on his team making an appearance after the US-Israeli strikes against Iran, which began this weekend.
“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj told sports portal Varzesh3.
U.S. and Israeli forces began striking the Iranian capital of Tehran and other vital government installations in the surrounding areas on Saturday. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the opening round of strikes.
“Iran has been drawn in Group G at the World Cup and is scheduled to play in Los Angeles, where it faces New Zealand and Belgium on June 15 and 21, respectively, before it plays Egypt in Seattle on June 26,” the Associated Press reports.
“The United States is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
“Fans from Iran were already banned from entering the US in the first iteration of the travel ban announced by the Trump administration.”
FIFA has not publicly commented on Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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