The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially addressed rumors suggesting that Iran might withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On Monday, the AFC clarified that they have received no official communication from Iran regarding a pull-out. This comes as Iran has already qualified for the mega-tournament, which is set to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The speculation began following recent airstrikes by the USA and Israel on Tehran. Amid reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader passed away during these attacks, the country’s Sports Minister hinted that it might be difficult for the national team to participate, leading to widespread confusion.
Responding to the situation, AFC General Secretary Windsor John stated that while this is an emotional time with many conflicting reports, the final decision rests with the Iran Football Federation. He confirmed that, as of now, Iran intends to play. “They are our members, and we want them to play. We hope they resolve their issues and join the tournament,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Iranian national team has strongly dismissed the rumors. In an Instagram post, the team asserted that no single country has the power to block them from a FIFA event. They emphasized that FIFA is the sole governing body of the World Cup, not any host nation. If Iran were to officially withdraw, it would mark a historic and unprecedented event in the modern era of football.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
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