After the war, Iran is likely to withdraw from the "American World Cup".

After the war, Iran is likely to withdraw from the "American World Cup".

 The Tehran Times suggested that the Iranian national team might withdraw from the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, due to a potential US-Israeli war against it.

According to a report published Sunday by the newspaper, which is close to the Iranian regime, FIFA is monitoring developments in Iran following the outbreak of military action by the United States, one of the co-hosts of this summer's men's World Cup, against Iran, which has qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to play its group matches in the United States.

Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj commented earlier on Saturday on the possibility of the team being excluded from the World Cup, saying: "We qualified deservedly, and no one gave us this right as a gift to be withdrawn now. Therefore, the host country has no right to exclude one team and add another."

He added: "We qualified strongly as group leaders for the World Cup. We have some limitations and observations, but we continue to work hard, and two good friendly matches have been planned and will be announced soon." But Taj confirmed in statements to Iranian state television that "the current situation makes participation in the tournament held on American soil highly doubtful."

He added, in remarks reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca: "With what happened today (Saturday) and with this American attack, it is unlikely we can look at the World Cup with optimism, but it is up to the sports leaders to make the final decision."

The head of the Iranian Football Federation explained that the issue is no longer solely a sporting one, but has become linked to the current political and security situation in the region. Iran is scheduled to play against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in Group G of the World Cup.

It is worth noting that representatives of the Iranian national team were absent from the World Cup draw last December because Washington refused to grant them entry visas, due to strained relations between the two countries.