The debate over the participation of Iran in World Cup 2026 has intensified amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While some Iranian officials suggested the country could boycott the tournament hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the situation remains unclear because the final decision belongs to the Iranian Football Federation.
The issue gained further attention after comments from the American president questioning whether Iran’s presence would be “appropriate” given the security risks surrounding the tournament.
For many Iranians, however, football has become a secondary issue compared to the reality of war affecting the country. Iranian journalist Nima Tavallaey explained that most people are currently focused on survival rather than sport, noting that “Iranians themselves haven’t commented much because they are too busy trying to avoid bombs falling on their heads.”
Another journalist, Erfan Hoseiny, highlighted the emotional importance of the sport, saying that “football has always been a symbol of hope for Iranians, even during wartime.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding the World Cup, many believe the sport will once again help unite the country once the conflict ends.