FIFA "Fully Focused on Ensuring a Safe World Cup"
Iran Hints at Withdrawing from World Cup... "Professional League Also Suspended"
The F?d?ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which previously awarded the Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, is closely monitoring whether the U.S. airstrike on Iran may disrupt the hosting of the 2026 North American World Cup.
At the 2026 North American World Cup group draw ceremony held last December at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump (left) is seen receiving the 'FIFA Peace Award' medal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and hanging it around his neck. Photo by AP Yonhap News
On March 1 (Korea Standard Time), international outlets such as USA Today reported, "FIFA is focused on all the teams participating in the North American World Cup." FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, attending the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), stated, "We have seen the news regarding Iran," adding, "We have held meetings on this matter, but it is too early to comment on the details." He also said, "All participating countries attended the group draw event held in Washington, and we are concentrating all efforts on ensuring that every team competes safely in the World Cup. We will continue to communicate with the co-host countries (United States, Mexico, and Canada) as usual," he emphasized.
Previously, Spanish media outlet Marca reported, "Mehdi Taj, President of the Iran Football Federation, conveyed his position on the U.S. and Israeli strikes via state television," stating, "'What happened today and the U.S. attack have made it difficult for us to remain optimistic about the World Cup. The final decision will be made by the sports leadership,' indicating that Iran's participation in the World Cup is now uncertain." Furthermore, he announced that the Iranian professional football league would also be suspended until further notice.
Iran has been placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt for the North American World Cup. All three of Iran's group stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States, which is one of the co-hosts and the country that carried out the airstrikes. Should Iran advance past the group stage, there is a possibility they could face the United States from Group D in the knockout round. Given these circumstances, it appears that Iran is hinting at withdrawing from the World Cup.
The previous day, the United States launched a missile attack against Iran, and President Trump announced via social media, "Ali Khamenei, one of the most evil figures in history, has died." Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was the Supreme Leader of Iran, wielding absolute power and leading the country's theocratic regime for more than 30 years.
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sparked controversy in December last year by awarding President Trump the "FIFA Peace Award." There was widespread criticism over whether it was appropriate to present a peace award to President Trump, who has heightened global tensions through actions such as tariff hikes.
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