Overview
- Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali declared on state television that the national team cannot participate, citing U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and ongoing security concerns.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino said President Donald Trump told him the Iranian team is welcome to compete in the United States, and FIFA has not confirmed receiving any withdrawal notice.
- Iran was drawn with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with two group matches scheduled in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, leaving those fixtures in limbo pending FIFA’s decision.
- FIFA rules allow fines of at least 250,000 Swiss francs, potential expulsion from future events and replacement of a team that withdraws, and Iran would also forfeit at least $10.5 million in participation money.
- Potential replacements have been reported to include Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, though Iraq faces travel and airspace hurdles and has sought a delay to its scheduled intercontinental playoff.