Iran still in World Cup despite withdrawal talk, says Asian soccer chief
Iran still in World Cup despite withdrawal talk, says Asian soccer chief
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYMon, March 16, 2026 at 3:50 PM UTC
11
Iran still in World Cup despite withdrawal talk, says Asian soccer chief
Iran has not yet declared that it will withdraw from the 2026 World Cup, according to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary Windsor John.
Amid a war between Iran and the United States, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said last week that the team would not participate in the tournament.
Although the Middle East country's participation is still in major doubt, John said on Monday that he was still hopeful that it would be able to travel to the United States for the World Cup.
“It’s a very emotional moment. Everybody’s saying a lot of things,” John told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
“At the end of the day, it’s the [Iranian] federation who should decide if they’re playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going to the World Cup.
“They are our member. We want them to play. You know, they qualified … so we hope that they will solve their issues, whatever it is, and be able to participate."
Advertisement
He added: "As far as we know, Iran is playing."
1 / 0Nike unveils new USMNT and USWNT kits for 2026PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 9: Diego Luna of the United States poses during a USMNT portrait session on November 9, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged Iran to skip the 2026 World Cup, saying that team members and staff may have their "life and safety" at risk if they travel to the United States.
The president's comments came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Trump told him that Iran would be "welcome" at the World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict.
The World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.
Iran is currently scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Has Iran withdrawn from World Cup? Asian soccer chief says no
Source: “AOL Sports”
