Iran may still not play in the FIFA World Cup

Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Iranian national team remains reluctant to travel to the United States to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iran's Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed that the soccer federation requested that their games be played in Mexico rather than the U.S. or Canada. So far, they haven't received a response.

"Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response," Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu, per The Independent. "If accepted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded."

As a result, the national team might decide to withdraw from the competition altogether.

Iran has a 'very low' chance of playing in the World Cup

Per Donyamali, the Iranian government will ultimately have the final say on whether they feel safe and comfortable enough traveling to America for the event.

"As the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian football federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup," Donyamali continued. "However, the final decision will be made by our government."

While the situation remains fluid, the Minister sounds pessimistic about his team's chances of suiting up for the biggest event in the soccer world.

"Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low," he admitted. "But, if the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government will make the decision on Iran's participation in the World Cup."

That said, the ceasefire could help change their stance, and there are still eight weeks before the tournament starts. 

Iran is scheduled to play Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G, with games taking place at Inglewood's SoFi Stadium and Seattle's Lumen Field. 

It would be their seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup. They secured their spot after earning 23 points in the third round of the AFC Qualification. 

In their previous six appearances, they've logged a record of 3-10-4 and have yet to move past the group stage.