Iran Plans World Cup Boycott of U.S. Matches Amid Rising Tensions

The Iran Football Federation has revealed that while Iran will continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, uncertainty remains over whether the team will travel to the United States for its group-stage matches.

Federation president Mehdi Taj made the announcement in a video shared by Iranian news agency Fars, stating that the team intends to boycott playing in the U.S. due to ongoing diplomatic tensions.

“We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States but not the tournament,” Taj said.

Iran is currently scheduled to play its group matches against New Zealand national football team, Belgium national football team, and Egypt national football team in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Seattle.

In light of the situation, the federation has opened discussions with FIFA about the possibility of relocating its matches to Mexico. However, FIFA has maintained that the official schedule remains unchanged for now.

The 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking one of the most expansive tournaments in football history.

Opinion: When Politics Collides with Football

Iran’s stance once again highlights the complex intersection between politics and sports. While football is often seen as a unifying force, geopolitical tensions can still influence participation and logistics at the highest level.

The decision to potentially boycott U.S. venues—while still competing in the tournament—creates a difficult situation for FIFA. Adjusting fixtures for one nation could set a precedent that challenges the structure of global competitions.

At the same time, Iran’s position reflects how deeply national policies and diplomatic relations can shape sporting decisions. For players, however, the focus remains the same: competing on the world’s biggest stage.

If a compromise is not reached, this situation could test FIFA’s authority and flexibility like never before. Ultimately, the hope will be that football prevails—but history shows that when politics enters the game, solutions are rarely simple. ⚽