The Latest Breaking News from Mehdi Taj

Iran will ‘boycott America, but not the World Cup’ – federation president

Iran are due to play all three of their group matches in the US.

The Independent UK · Mar 19

Iran will boycott the US but not the World Cup, country’s football head says

Iran will ‘boycott the United States’ but ‘not the World Cup’, the Iranian football federation president, Mehdi Taj, has said

The Guardian - UK · Mar 19

Fifa to hold Middle East crisis meeting amid Iran World Cup uncertainty

American and Israeli airstrikes on Iran have placed their participation in the tournament in doubt

The Independent UK · Mar 18

In a move as tone-deaf as it gets, Trump’s World Cup welcome for Iran collapses after a blunt statement from the nation

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali, has officially declared that the nation cannot participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after the United States killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This firm statement comes after weeks of escalating conflict and marks a definitive withdrawal from the global tournament.

The Mary Sue · Mar 11

President Trump ‘Doesn’t Care’—But Will Iran Play in the 2026 World Cup?

Iran was the only country missing at FIFA’s planning meeting in Atlanta this week.

Sports Illustrated · Mar 5

Conflict and controversy hang over World Cup as 100-day countdown kicks off

Tuesday marks 100 days until the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran's participation in the tournament is in doubt after American and Israeli armed forces launched strikes on the country, while controversy over ticket prices, drug wars in Mexico and travel bans…

Radio France Internationale · Mar 3

FIFA World Cup 2026 in Crisis: Can Iran Still Play in the US Amid Escalating Middle East War?

As the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup approaches, Iran's participation is in question due to rising political tensions with the US.

International Business Times UK · Mar 3

Iraq or UAE could take Iran’s World Cup finals spot due to Middle East crisis

Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are viewed as the most likely beneficiaries should Iran withdraw from the World Cup

The Guardian - UK · Mar 2

Iran's World Cup place in U.S. put in doubt by Middle East conflict. FIFA has Iraq next in line

Iran’s place at the men’s soccer World Cup in three months’ time has been put in doubt amid an escalating Middle East conflict sparked by tournament co-host the United States

The Independent UK · Mar 2

Will Iran boycott the World Cup over US strikes and who might replace them?

Iran previously boycotted the World Cup draw in November and tensions have significantly escalated following US and Israeli attacks on the country

The Independent UK · Mar 2