The US and Iran are at war three months before the World Cup kicks off. It’s unclear if the Iranian team will play.

The US and Iran are at war three months before the World Cup kicks off. It’s unclear if the Iranian team will play.

As the FIFA World Cup nears in 100 days, the escalating tensions in the Middle East have cast doubt on Iran’s participation in the event. The nation’s soccer team faces uncertainty amid ongoing hostilities, raising questions about its ability to compete. While the conflict remains a central focus for regional populations, the sports world watches closely as the situation evolves.

The Islamic Republic’s leadership is under siege, with recent strikes by the U.S. and Israel intensifying the crisis. This has left the country in a state of flux, complicating decisions about its involvement in the tournament. Even before the latest developments, Iran had already signaled hesitation, particularly after travel restrictions barred fans from attending matches in California and Seattle.

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” said Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation, in remarks shared by the Associated Press.

FIFA has expressed confidence in the tournament’s continuity, with general secretary Mattias Grafstrom stating, “It’s a bit premature to comment on that in detail, but of course we’ll monitor the developments around all issues around the world.” Despite the chaos, the draw was completed in Washington, D.C., and Iran was placed in Group G, facing New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium.

“We had the final draw in Washington, where all teams participated. Our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everyone participating,” Grafstrom added following a meeting with the International Football Association Board.

Meanwhile, the conflict has disrupted international sports events. Qatar’s soccer federation postponed all matches and tournaments, citing the need for safety. Doha, a key hub for regional travel, has been targeted by Iranian airstrikes, prompting residents to take shelter. The QFA noted, “New dates for the resumption of competitions will be announced in due course.”

Travel disruptions also affect Formula 1 teams preparing for the opening race in Melbourne on March 8. Many rely on Doha and Dubai as transit points, but the situation has forced logistical adjustments. The World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, remains the centerpiece of global attention, even as the Middle East’s turmoil looms large.