A special envoy from the Donald Trump administration has called on FIFA to remove Iran and award Italy, which failed to qualify, a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) has sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, requesting support after numerous football facilities in the country were impacted by the Middle East conflict.
Iranian players carried school backpacks and wore black armbands while singing the national anthem before a 1-2 friendly loss to Nigeria on 27/3, commemorating victims of a bombing in their home country.
Amidst escalating military tensions between Iran and the UAE, forward Sardar Azmoun faces severe disciplinary action for posting a photo with the Ruler of Dubai over a year ago.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, two players seeking asylum in Australia, participated in a training session with Brisbane Roar FC without wearing hijabs – the head-to-toe covering mandated by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has affirmed that the Iran national team has not withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup, despite statements from the country's government officials.
Former midfielder Keisuke Honda lost an advertising deal with a US company after publicly backing the Iranian national team's participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The Iranian national team declared no one could remove them from the 2026 World Cup, while also implying that host nation US should be disqualified for failing to ensure the security of participating teams.
The decision to withdraw from the World Cup 2026 could lead to severe financial and sporting consequences for Iran, including the risk of being banned from international tournaments.
The Australian government states that the Iran women's national team will not receive any special exemptions if they seek asylum, despite safety concerns upon their return home.
Iraq's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup 2026 are affected as the Middle East conflict creates significant travel and procedural difficulties for the national team.
US President Donald Trump declared he "really doesn't care" if Iran participates in the 2026 World Cup, following their absence from a FIFA preparatory meeting.
