Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran’s soccer federation, expressed uncertainty about the national team’s ability to participate in World Cup matches in the United States following the unexpected U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.
“What is clear is that after this assault, we cannot anticipate the World Cup with optimism,” Taj told the sports portal Varzesh3, as Iran continued to engage in hostilities with Israel amid an escalating conflict ignited by the strikes.
The U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran continued into a second day following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, resulting in heightened uncertainty for the Islamic Republic and increasing the risk of destabilization in the region.
Iran is positioned in Group G for the World Cup and is set to play in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium on June 15 and June 21, respectively, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The tournament will be hosted by the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19.
Previously, fans from Iran were barred from entering the U.S. due to the initial travel ban introduced during the Trump administration.
FIFA has not yet responded to an inquiry from The Associated Press regarding the current status of Iran’s participation in the World Cup but confirmed on Saturday that it is monitoring the developments in the area.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.