March 17, New Delhi – The Asian Football Confederation stated that it has NOT received any notification from Iran that it will withdraw its national soccer team from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iran has qualified for the 48-team tournament to be held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, starting June 11, and is scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
However, Iran's participation has been much debated in the wake of the West Asia conflict.
AFC general secretary Windsor John said, "Ultimately, it is up to the federation to decide whether they are participating, and as of today, the federation has informed us that they will be participating in the World Cup."
Meanwhile, Iran's embassy in Mexico said that their football federation is "negotiating" with FIFA to relocate the country's first-round matches at the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico.