Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain after President Donald Trump questioned whether it would be safe for the team to travel to the United States. The Iranian Football Federation, led by Mehdi Taj, has indicated they may not attend the tournament hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Trump stated it would not be 'appropriate' for Iran to participate 'for their own life and safety,' prompting Taj to declare the team would not travel if security couldn't be guaranteed. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle, but negotiations with FIFA to move matches to Mexico have reportedly been rejected.

The controversy comes amid broader political tensions, with Iran's women's national team players recently protesting by refusing to sing the national anthem during the AFC Women's Asian Cup, leading to criticism from Iranian state television.