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As uncertainty grows over Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, officials from the Asian Football Confederation have moved to clarify the situation.

The tournament which will commence on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada, has seen speculation around Iran’s participation due to the ongoing regional conflict. However, the AFC says it has not received any indication that the Asian powerhouse will withdraw from the competition.

AFC says Iran still expected to play

On Monday, Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, said the continental body has not received any indication that Iran will miss the World Cup.

“They are our member. We want them to play,” he told a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, where the AFC is based. “As far as we know, Iran is playing.

“It's a very emotional moment, everybody is saying a lot of things. At the end of the day, it's the (Iran soccer) federation who should decide if they are playing and, as for today, the federation … has told us that they're going to the World Cup.”

Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group matches in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada.

Trump on Iran team safety

Donald Trump had posted on social media that the Iranian team would still be welcome at the World Cup despite the ongoing war involving Iran, but added that “I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group matches in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada.

Iran federation insists team wants to compete

The regional conflict has raised doubts about Iran’s ability to fulfill its World Cup participation, and sports minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television last week that the present situation meant it was not possible to play.

However, the Iranian national team responded on Instagram confirming its desire to take part. The post also stressed that the tournament is organised by FIFA, football’s global governing body, and not by Trump or the United States government.

Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 16 and Belgium on June 21, before completing its group fixtures against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.

Iran remains one of Asia’s strongest teams and is currently ranked No. 20 in the world by FIFA. The team has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup.

Before the tournament begins, Iranian football officials are also expected to attend FIFA’s annual congress on April 30 in Vancouver. The Iranian federation, however, was unable to attend preparatory meetings held in Atlanta last week for the 48-team tournament.

Also READ: Iran sends strong reply amid US President Donald Trump’s warning over FIFA World Cup participation