Overview
- Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said it is unlikely the national team will take part, though no formal withdrawal has been announced.
- FIFA’s Mattias Grafström said the organization is monitoring developments after U.S. missile strikes on Iran and wants a safe tournament with all qualified teams.
- Iran is drawn in Group G to face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with two matches scheduled in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, and a planned training base in Tucson.
- U.S. travel restrictions on Iranian nationals and potential visa issues for players with past IRGC service have created uncertainty over entry to American venues.
- Related sports operations have been disrupted as Gulf airspace closures and security concerns forced flight suspensions, AFC match postponements and broadcast adjustments in the region.