The round ball suddenly seems very distant. Since February 28, the Middle East has plunged into a spiral of violence that goes far beyond the world of sports and reshapes the regional balance. Strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on several major Iranian cities, followed by ballistic responses from Tehran throughout the region, have escalated the conflict into a direct confrontation with yet immeasurable consequences. The death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, confirmed by Iranian media after the military operation claimed by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, has plunged the Islamic Republic into a deep political uncertainty zone, between national mourning, internal tensions, and military escalation. In a country already weakened by months of social unrest and brutal repression, war has disrupted all daily priorities. Infrastructure is under pressure, communications remain disrupted, and the political future of the country remains uncertain. In this context, the mention of Iran’s participation in the World Cup may seem almost unreal. Yet, the issue has emerged in the international debate, as the tournament is set to take place mainly in the United States, now directly engaged in armed conflict with one of the qualified countries. With visa restrictions, security concerns, and diplomatic tensions, football finds itself unwittingly caught in geopolitical turmoil. But for many Iranians, the primary concern remains elsewhere. Before discussing stadiums, matches, or qualification groups, we must talk about war, its victims, and the uncertain future of an entire country. It is in this heavy atmosphere that the question of football nonetheless resurfaces, as a fragile yet enduring symbol in a society still seeking reasons to hope.
In the past few days, the issue of the Iranian national team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup has turned into a political quagmire almost as explosive as the fronts of the regional conflict. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated to state cameras that, in the current climate of war and tension, Iran could not go to the tournament in North America, declaring that there were “no conditions” for such participation after the strikes on the country and the death of the Supreme Leader. These words have been interpreted as a de facto boycott, even though neither the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) nor FIFA have officially confirmed the national team’s withdrawal from the World Cup. While Team Melli had secured its qualification in the Asian qualifiers, its place in Group G, with matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle, is now uncertain. Scenarios are being discussed where nations like Iraq or the United Arab Emirates could be called in to replace Iran, according to FIFA rules to fill a potential vacancy, despite nothing concrete being decided yet. Apart from official announcements, Donald Trump’s stance has added another layer of controversy. On his social media, he emphasized that he would not find it “appropriate” for the Iranian team to participate in the tournament, citing risks to the “life and security” of the players, while also stating that the selection would be “welcome.” These statements have been seen as both political and logistical messages, provoking a strong reaction among Iranian sports circles, where any external interference in the right to participate in an international competition is lamented.
Football logically takes a backseat While the military and political situation occupies most of the country’s attention, reactions around football remain sparse and often cautious. Journalists, fans, and even players seem to understand that the issue of the World Cup can only be addressed against the backdrop of a much broader crisis. “Reaction within Iranian football, whether among players or journalists, has been quite limited, and Iranians themselves have not said much. They are too busy trying to avoid bombs falling on their heads. But the Iranian Football Federation and the players have stated that they are the only ones to decide what they do, not someone else. They also mentioned FIFA and Gianni Infantino, stating that our presence in the World Cup is not up for debate. The fact that the event is taking place in the United States could be subject to debate. That’s what the players or the federation have said. As for journalists, I haven’t really seen much discussion from them. Most fans are rather neutral, even those who are not part of the extreme Zionist monarchist sphere that celebrates the murder of children. There are people who simply remain neutral, whether outside or within the diaspora. Even in Iran, most people support this decision if it were to be made. It is not yet a final decision. It is the Iranian sports minister who stated that he does not think Iran should participate, but it is not him who makes that decision. It is up to the Iranian federation to reach that conclusion, and it has not yet made a statement on this,” explains Nima Tavallaey, an Iranian journalist based in Sweden, covering Italian football for 14 years.
The war has disrupted the functioning of local football. National competitions are on hold, and access to information remains difficult due to internet shutdowns complicating communication with journalists and fans remaining in the country. “Personally, I have no opinion on the World Cup matter. There are much more important things happening in my country. If Iran withdraws, it would obviously be political. And well, it would be difficult since the local league is canceled, where over half of the players play. Honestly, I have hardly seen anyone discussing it! It is difficult to reach ordinary people in Iran because of the internet shutdown since the beginning of the war. Officials contradict themselves, there is no coherence. The football federation stated to state television that if the government wants to withdraw, then they will. I think this could result in suspensions for the federation. It will cost FIFA a lot of money and problems with so little time for the World Cup. And for many of these players, it would have been their last World Cup. Four years lost for nothing,” said Erfan Hoseiny, an Iranian journalist covering AFC competitions.
Some observers also highlight the profoundly political dimension of the competition, especially as most matches of the tournament are scheduled to be played in the United States, a country now directly engaged in conflict with Iran. “To my knowledge, I was one of the first journalists based in the West to write several opinion articles explaining why it would be impossible to host the World Cup in the United States if many fans from countries are not allowed to enter the United States due to the visa suspension imposed under the Trump administration. If FIFA can organize Iran to play in Mexico, then okay. But neither Canada nor the United States are suitable destinations for Iran, especially with the distressed and bloodthirsty diaspora that exists in these countries. There are political aspects, but first and foremost, it is a question of logistical, logical, and cultural impossibility. Culturally speaking, even if the war ends tomorrow, Iran is a nation in mourning. Given all the civilians dead, especially the children. When Iranian children have died, you cannot go participate in what is essentially a propaganda pantomime. That is what the FIFA World Cup represents for the Trump administration and the United States. Therefore, this tournament is nothing more than propaganda. It is a complete farce because it is simply impossible for a country that is not part of the American hegemonic sphere to participate, especially if it is being bombed, assassinated, and fighting for its existence as a nation and civilization with nearly 7000 years of history. All these aspects together make Iran’s participation inappropriate in my opinion,” continued Nima Tavallaey.
Potential Consequences for Iranian Football Beyond the immediate question of the World Cup, some are wondering about the long-term consequences for Iranian football. As is often the case in protracted conflicts, it is the infrastructure, local leagues, and youth player development that could be most affected, especially as part of the Azadi complex in Tehran has been destroyed. “Iran is engaged in an existential war, fighting for its survival. The outcome of this war will determine if Iran exists as a civilizational state with roots dating back 7,000 years. This includes football. And it is the outcome of the war that will decide it. It is clear that Iran’s infrastructure has been severely impacted. This country has been subject to illegal unilateral sanctions for 47 years and is fighting for its survival. This also concerns Iranian football. The long-term consequences of any war are always massive: war is devastation, and it will take Iran a long time to recover, including in the field of football, even if Iran were to win the war. I don’t think it depends on whether Iran participates in the World Cup or not. This will have a considerable impact on development, whether it be of new players, the league, or national teams, for Iran to establish itself as the Asian superpower it is. But the reputation of the Iranian national team will not be tainted, at least not among those who really matter to us, Iranians, if you will excuse the expression,” added Nima Tavallaey.
The question of relations between global football governing bodies and the Iranian federation also remains uncertain. Despite historically strong institutional ties with the Asian confederation, political uncertainty and international pressures could heavily influence future decisions. “The relationship with the AFC has always been good thanks to Mehdi Taj, the federation president who is also vice-president of the AFC. Infantino has also visited Tehran before and maintains good relations with officials. There has been a lot of pressure on FIFA’s women’s rights because they were banned from attending matches until a few years ago. They are still banned in some cities. If Iran has to withdraw, there will be a lot of problems with FIFA and possibly sanctions and fines. It is difficult to say at the moment. Football has always been a symbol of hope for Iranians, even in times of war. But this time, it’s different. Almost no one is talking about football or the World Cup. I’m sure that after all this is over, people will start to care again. One thing has been proven, however, it is very difficult to separate politics and sports, especially in Iran,” specified Erfan Hoseiny.
“This relationship is now at the historic low. Iranian football has closely observed what Gianno Infantino and FIFA have achieved over the past five or six years. There is practically no connection with Iran anymore. There is absolutely no trust or credit towards FIFA from Iranian football, be it as an institution or as individuals. Honestly, I don’t think this is just my opinion. As long as Gianni Infantino leads FIFA, there can be no relationship. The harm he has caused to this relationship is irreparable. And as long as he, his peers, his puppets, and his camp lead FIFA, there will be, in my opinion, no relationship. Everyone is united to prevail. Once the war is over and Iran has won it, I believe that sports, and especially football, will be a means and a space for Iranians to come together, even in the face of incredible difficulties during the reconstruction of the country after these terrible illegal war crimes imposed on Iran. Football will always remain a beloved sport in all layers of Iranian society, from north to south, east to west,” concluded Nima Tavallaey. These sometimes differing perspectives and sensitivities also illustrate the diversity of a country often reduced to its political tensions. Iran is a complex society, the heir of a millennia-old history, traversed by multiple identities and cultures. Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Arabs, Balochs, or Turkmens coexist in a space where Persian, Azerbaijani, Kurdish, and sometimes Arabic are spoken. In this context marked by war, internet shutdowns, and political uncertainty, football appears to many as a distant, almost secondary subject.
Published on March 15, 2026 at 17:02 – Updated on March 15, 2026 at 17:03.
