World Cup Uncertainty as Iran Considers Boycott After Khamenei’s Death

Iran may pull out of the 2026 World Cup following US airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid rising violence involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Bombings across multiple countries on Friday and Saturday have heightened regional tensions.

The attacks targeted major Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, as part of a coordinated operation by President Donald Trump and Israel. Trump promised to “hit them with a force that has never been seen before!”

In response, Iran fired missiles at neighboring states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. To counter the threat, British jets were dispatched to defend allied nations, impacting five countries set to compete in the World Cup.

With the tournament just three months away in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Iran’s participation is now in serious doubt. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, told Marca: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup.” He emphasized, “But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”

Iran is drawn in a group with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with their first match slated for June 16 in the morning.

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