Officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have clarified that Iran’s men’s national football team is still expected to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite mounting geopolitical instability.
Following military exchanges in late February, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly suggested that the safety of the Iranian delegation could be compromised if they traveled to North America for the competition.
While Iran’s Sports Minister previously indicated that the country might boycott the event due to the current conflict, AFC General Secretary Windsor Paul John stated on Monday that the confederation has received no official notice of withdrawal and continues to plan for Iran’s presence in Group G.
The regional tensions have already impacted the sport, as evidenced by the recent defection attempt by members of Iran’s women’s national team during the Asian Cup in Australia.
Although seven members of the delegation initially requested humanitarian asylum after being criticized for a silent protest during the national anthem, five have since withdrawn those claims.
The team’s captain was the latest to reverse her decision, leaving only two members currently seeking to stay in Australia.
Human rights groups have expressed concern that these reversals resulted from systemic pressure and threats against the players’ families, while the AFC has stated it will support the athletes’ personal decisions as they prepare for their return journeys.
