Iran Boycotting USA but Not World Cup — Football Federation Chief

Iran’s football authorities have clarified that while the country may boycott the United States due to ongoing political tensions, it has no intention of withdrawing from the FIFA World Cup.

The President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, stated that Iran remains committed to participating in the global tournament despite strained relations with the United States.

He explained that the boycott applies specifically to the United States and not to international sporting events governed by FIFA.

Iran has already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

However, concerns have emerged over the safety of Iranian players in the United States amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Taj noted that efforts are ongoing to explore alternative arrangements, including the possibility of playing matches outside the United States if necessary.

The federation has reportedly engaged with FIFA on potential adjustments, although the final decision rests with the global football governing body.

Despite political disagreements, Taj emphasised that football remains a global sport that transcends national conflicts.

The development comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, which have raised uncertainties around Iran’s participation logistics rather than its qualification.

Football authorities have maintained that Iran’s presence at the World Cup remains intact, even as diplomatic issues continue to influence discussions around venue and security.

The situation highlights the growing intersection between global politics and international sports, particularly for tournaments hosted across multiple countries.