Secretary General Windsor John revealed this information on 16/3 in Kuala Lumpur, where the AFC headquarters are located. He stated that the AFC has not received any official notification from Iran regarding withdrawal from the World Cup. "This is a sensitive time; everyone is saying different things," Windsor said. "But ultimately, the decision rests with the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI). To date, FFIRI has told us they will participate in the World Cup."

Iran has been an AFC member since 1958, participating in the Asian qualifiers. Windsor expressed his desire for the team to be at the World Cup. "Iran is an AFC member, so we want them to play," he added. "They have qualified, so we hope they resolve their issues, whatever they may be, and can participate."

Iran players before the match against UAE in the third round of Asian qualifiers at Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran on 20/3/2025. Reuters

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled from 11/6 to 19/7 across three co-hosting nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is the third team to qualify, following Japan and New Zealand. This marks their seventh World Cup appearance, though they have yet to advance past the group stage.

Iran is placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Their schedule includes facing New Zealand on 15/6 and Belgium on 21/6 in Los Angeles, before playing Egypt on 26/6 in Seattle. All these host cities are in the United States.

However, Iran's participation is now under serious question. Last week, Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the team could not participate after the United States, in coordination with Israel, conducted airstrikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28/2.

Donyamali's statement raised concerns that Iran could become the first team in the modern era to withdraw from the World Cup after qualifying. Should this scenario occur, FIFA would have to quickly find an alternative, such as selecting the highest-ranked Asian team that has not yet qualified, or adjusting the group stage format.

Conversely, US President Donald Trump issued inconsistent messages. He once stated Iran was welcome at the World Cup, but later suggested that participation could endanger the players and team members themselves.

Meanwhile, Iran's opponents are still preparing according to their initial plans. New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley confirmed his team is still preparing for their opening match against Iran. "Currently, we are still preparing as if we will play Iran. They are still in our group. Until further notice, everything remains the same," Bazeley said.

However, he also admitted the team is ready to adjust if the situation changes, as the final decision is outside the coaching staff's professional scope.

New Zealand football officials also stated they have not received any warnings from FIFA regarding changes in venues or increased security risk levels. Iran's matches are still expected to be held in the United States, including two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

FIFA has also not made any official comment on potential changes to the schedule or venues related to Iran.

By Hoang An (based on USA Today, NST)