The International Football Association has reassured that it is planning the World Cup to have all 48 teams in the tournament.
The announcement comes at a time when there remains increasing uncertainty about Iran’s participation in the tournament amid the ongoing West Asian conflict, wherein a major section of the Gulf airspace has been frozen.
Moreover, Iran’s sports minister has maintained that ‘under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup’.
“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Ahmad Donyamali said.
“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”
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However, FIFA has rejected any plans of a boycott by any participating nation.
“FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025,” the sport’s global governing body said in a statement on Tuesday.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is planned between June 11 and July 19 and is scheduled to take place in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.
Published on Mar 18, 2026
