All Three Group Stage Matches to Be Held in the United States
Iraq and UAE Emerge as Potential Replacement Teams
FIFA Rules Remain Unclear Regarding World Cup Withdrawal
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he "does not care" about the controversy over whether the Iranian national football team will participate in the 2026 North and Central American World Cup. Amid rapidly worsening tensions in the Middle East due to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Iran's qualification for the World Cup finals is becoming increasingly uncertain.
On March 4, Yonhap News reported that President Trump addressed Iran's World Cup participation in an interview with the U.S. political media outlet Politico, saying, "I don't care whether they show up or not." In the same interview, President Trump added, "Iran is a country that has been defeated very seriously and is exhausted."
US President Donald Trump stated that he "does not care" about the controversy over the participation of the Iranian national football team in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East due to US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Iran's qualification for the World Cup main tournament is becoming uncertain. AP Yonhap News
Previously, the Iranian national team had already secured its place in the finals of the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup. Iran topped Group A in the third round of the Asian qualifiers and, following the finals draw, was placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Coincidentally, all three of Iran's group stage matches are scheduled to be held in the United States. Iran is set to play Belgium and New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and then face Egypt in Seattle. There was also speculation that Iran could potentially face the United States for a spot in the round of 16, depending on the results.
However, the situation changed dramatically following the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials were removed, and as Iran launched retaliatory attacks, the entire Middle East has been plunged into a state of heightened tension. Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, suggested the possibility of withdrawal, stating, "After this attack, we cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope."
Amid the rapid deterioration of the Middle East situation due to airstrikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, Iran's qualification for the World Cup is becoming uncertain. Photo by AFP
If Iran withdraws, the economic losses are projected to be significant. FIFA provides USD 1.5 million to each nation that qualifies for the finals as preparation cost reimbursement, and distributes an additional USD 9 million to teams eliminated in the group stage. If Iran gives up its spot, it will forfeit at least USD 10.5 million (about KRW 1.52 billion). In addition, if a team withdraws 30 days before the start of the tournament, a minimum fine of 250,000 Swiss francs is imposed, and if the withdrawal occurs within 30 days, the fine increases to at least 500,000 Swiss francs. There is also the possibility that Iran could be restricted from participating in the qualifying rounds for the 2030 World Cup. The total estimated loss is expected to exceed KRW 1.57 billion.
There is also discussion about possible replacement teams. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both members of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), have been mentioned as candidates. However, FIFA regulations only specify that "another association may be substituted" without any clause requiring the replacement to come from the same continent, leaving room for controversy. FIFA has not issued an official statement regarding the matter. As FIFA has historically sought to minimize the impact of geopolitical conflicts on the World Cup, the current situation-where one of the co-hosts is engaged in armed conflict with a participating nation-is considered unprecedented.
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