Iran could withdraw from the upcoming World Cup after airstrikes by the United States and Israel reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, escalating tensions between Tehran and Western powers.
The military escalation unfolded after a joint operation by the United States and Israel targeting key Iranian sites, with U.S. President Donald Trump vowing to strike Iran with unprecedented force. Iranian forces responded by launching missiles at targets in neighbouring countries, further widening the regional conflict.
According to reports, Iran’s retaliation included strikes on sites in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. British jets were reportedly deployed to protect allied nations, bringing several countries participating in the upcoming tournament into the broader confrontation.
The crisis comes just months before the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where Iran is scheduled to compete. Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj was quoted as saying that, given the current situation, it is unlikely Iran can focus on the tournament, although final decisions would rest with sports authorities.
Iran has been drawn in a group alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with its opening match scheduled for June 16. However, ongoing political and military tensions have cast doubt over its participation as the conflict continues to unfold.
