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Problems for FIFA: Iran 'unlikely' to go to World Cup in United States and suspends its league

Iran play their three matches on US soil

2026-02-28-17723055786477
Updated

The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, has just spoken in Tehran (Iranian public television) and gave the version of his organization on the conflict that, since last night, has been maintained with Israel and the United States.

Let's remember that Iran, which has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, must play its three matches on US soil: against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles; against Belgium on the 21st in the same city; and finally on the 26th against Egypt in Seattle.

"With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup, but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that," the president commented on Iran's participation in the tournament.

On the other hand, the head of Iranian soccer confirmed that the league has been suspended from now until further notice. This affects the three Spaniards who are playing in the first division there: former Real Madrid player Antonio Adan; Spanish-Moroccan Munir (both in Esteghlal, a top team in the country's league); and former Valladolid player Ivan Sanchez, who plays for Sepahan, also a very popular club. The former is already in Madrid and the other two are currently trying to leave Iranian territory by road.

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