The head of Iran’s football association expressed uncertainty regarding whether the national squad could compete in World Cup games within the United States, following an unexpected U.S. and Israeli assault on their nation.
“It is undeniable that subsequent to this offensive, we cannot reasonably anticipate the World Cup with optimism,” Mehdi Taj informed sports news outlet Varzesh3. This statement came as Iran and Israel exchanged blows, part of an escalating conflict triggered by the initial bombardment.
For a second consecutive day on Sunday, U.S.-Israeli offensives against Iran persisted. This continued action followed the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that plunged the Islamic Republic’s future into doubt and heightened the risk of regional volatility.
Iran has been assigned to Group G at the World Cup. Its schedule includes matches in Los Angeles, where it will contend against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The United States is co-hosting the championship, alongside Canada and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19.
Iranian supporters were previously denied entry to the U.S. under the initial version of the travel ban declared by the Trump administration.
FIFA did not provide an immediate response to an inquiry from The Associated Press concerning Iran’s involvement in the World Cup. However, the organization stated on Saturday that it was observing developments across the region.
Details from The Associated Press were incorporated into this report.