Speaking with state broadcaster IRIB TV3 and sports portal Varzesh3 on Monday, Taj addressed the escalating conflict and its impact on “Team Melli’s” appearance in the upcoming tournament, which is primarily hosted by the United States.
While stopping short of an official withdrawal, Taj indicated that the federation’s enthusiasm for the competition has evaporated following the attacks.
“What is certain is that after these strikes, it is hard to look at the World Cup with hope,” Taj stated. “I cannot say with certainty what the final outcome will be, but there will inevitably be consequences.”
The remarks come in the wake of the February 28, 2026, coordinated strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iranian military infrastructure and leadership. Iran responded within 24 hours with a massive wave of retaliatory drone and missile attacks against U.S. military installations across the Middle East, including bases in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Taj noted that the decision to travel to the U.S. is no longer a purely sporting matter. “All relevant football and high-ranking governing authorities in Iran will convene to take an appropriate decision,” he said. “At this moment, given the scale and intensity of the attacks, I do not believe this is a World Cup we are looking forward to.”
Tensions between the federation and the host nation were already high prior to the military escalation. In December 2025, Iranian representatives boycotted the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., after the U.S. government denied visas to several members of the delegation, including Taj himself.
Iran is currently slated to compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three of their group-stage matches are scheduled to take place on U.S. soil, with fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle beginning June 15. FIFA has stated it is “monitoring the situation closely,” but has yet to comment on a potential replacement should Iran formally withdraw.
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