Iran considers withdrawal from 2026 World Cup due to security concerns

The Iranian Football Federation is in talks with FIFA regarding the potential relocation of its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico. Federation President Mehdi Taj expressed concerns over the safety of the national team following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated he could not guarantee the team's security. The team is currently scheduled to play two group stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Tensions have escalated following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Tehran, which resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader. The Iranian Minister of Sports has questioned the feasibility of the team's participation in light of these events. FIFA has not issued an official statement, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reported that it has received no official notice of withdrawal. AFC General Secretary Windsor John stated that Iran remains registered for the tournament and encouraged the country to resolve its internal issues to ensure participation. A formal withdrawal would be unprecedented in the modern history of the event, potentially forcing FIFA to find a replacement.