World Cup 2026 at risk: Trump and Iran tensions threaten tournament | OneFootball

Just three months before the start of the World Cup at the Azteca Stadium, geopolitical tension has put the tournament's planning at risk. A U.S. attack that ended the life of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei sparked a crisis that directly affects the world event.

Donald Trump commented on the participation of the Iranian team, which is already qualified for the tournament. The U.S. president was categorical in stating that he doesn't care about their presence and asserted that he considers Iran a defeated country in its final stages.

Iran's stance and the risk for Group G

The Iranian team is scheduled to be part of Group G and play its three first-phase matches on U.S. soil. However, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, questioned his nation's participation following the recent attacks.

The official expressed to local media that they cannot be expected to look at the World Cup with hope under the current context. If Iran decides to withdraw from the competition, the tournament's organization would face a major disruption with less than a hundred days before the kickoff.

FIFA's regulations in case of a possible withdrawal

Should a national association decide to withdraw, FIFA has legal tools in its regulations to proceed. Article 6.2 states that the FIFA Council reserves the right to replace the association in question with another team.

In addition to the sporting replacement, the regulations stipulate severe financial penalties ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 Swiss francs. Disciplinary measures are also considered, which could include the permanent expulsion of the participating member association.

Uncertainty just days before the debut

Time is pressing for the organizers, as the differences between the leaders of both countries seem insurmountable at this moment. The situation in the Middle East is increasingly tense, and the calendar leaves no room for sports diplomacy.

There are only 99 days left until the World Cup begins, and FIFA is closely monitoring the evolution of the conflict. Any definitive decision by Iran would require last-minute changes to the schedule and logistics of the U.S. venues.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.