FIFA on alert as conflict clouds Iran’s World Cup place | OneFootball

FIFA is watching the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran with concern, hoping Iran’s World Cup place is not imperilled. According to L'Équipe, US president Donald Trump’s joint strikes with Israel have left Gianni Infantino in an awkward spot.

The stakes are grave for civilians and for a team due to play in North America from 11 June to 19 July. On Saturday, federation head Mehdi Taj voiced pessimism on Iranian state TV, saying optimism about the World Cup now looked unlikely and that sporting authorities must decide.

Iran are in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. If they withdraw, the Asian confederation would nominate a replacement.

Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are best placed. Iraq are still in the intercontinental play-off on 31 March in Monterrey, and a win would put them in Group I with France, Senegal and Norway, which would hand any vacated slot to the United Arab Emirates.

Secretary general Mattias Grafström said it is too early to comment in detail, adding FIFA will monitor events, keep talking to the three host governments and ensure security.

Exclusion could be considered if security cannot be guaranteed and several teams formally refuse to play, as with Russia after its 2022 attack on Ukraine. Time remains, with more than 100 days until kick-off, and Trump has said the conflict could be resolved within four weeks or less.

Source: L'Équipe