Iranian football threatens to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup.

The possibility of Iran withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup is clearer than ever following the strong statement from the President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj.

Iran is highly likely to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup.

The biggest tournament on the planet will take place in the summer of 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, escalating political tensions in the Middle East are casting a dark shadow over Iran's chances of participating, just three months before their opening group stage match.

The situation became even more complicated when five Iranian women's national team players refused to return home and chose to remain in Australia seeking asylum. In response to this development, Mehdi Taj publicly questioned whether Iran should even be allowed to participate in the World Cup in the United States.

"The US President posted a message requesting asylum for our players and stated he would do so if Australia did not agree," he said.

The head of Iranian football added: "Under such circumstances, how can we be optimistic about a World Cup held in the United States? If the tournament takes place under these conditions, no sane person would send their national team there."

According to the schedule, the Iranian national team will kick off their World Cup campaign with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. In Group G, they will also face Belgium and Egypt.

If Iran officially withdraws, their spot will most likely be given to reserve teams in the region such as Iraq or the UAE.

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Source: https://znews.vn/bong-da-iran-doa-bo-world-cup-2026-post1633999.html