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LAHORE: The head of Iran’s football federation said the national team’s participation in World Cup matches on US soil is uncertain following US-Israeli strikes on Iran as military tensions between the countries escalated.
Mehdi Taj told Iranian sports website Varzesh3 that the latest attacks had cast doubt over the team’s outlook for the tournament.
“After this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj said, according to the outlet.
The comments came as Iran and Israel exchanged fire in a widening confrontation triggered by the bombardment. The martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has deepened uncertainty over Iran’s political future and raised concerns about broader regional instability.
Iran have been drawn in Group G of the World Cup and are scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
It was not immediately clear whether the security situation or diplomatic tensions would affect travel arrangements for the team, officials or supporters.
Iranian nationals were previously subject to travel restrictions under measures introduced during the Trump administration, limiting entry to the United States. Any further tightening of restrictions could complicate logistics for players and fans.
World soccer’s governing body FIFA said it was monitoring developments but did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether contingency plans were being considered.
The situation presents a potential challenge for organisers less than weeks before the start of the tournament, as political tensions risk spilling over into sport.
