PLDC - Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, said: “We currently do not have the conditions to participate in the FIFA World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, also made remarks that suggest the possibility of withdrawal, stating: “With the current outlook, no reasonable person would accept sending the national team to the United States.”
It is still unclear whether Ahmad Donyamali’s statements reflect the Islamic Republic’s final decision or are merely intended to pressure FIFA and portray Iran as a victim. What is clear, however, is that the concerns of government officials and football authorities go beyond military and security issues.
The mass asylum of members of Iran’s women’s national football team in Australia — including prominent figures such as captain Zahra Ghanbari and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh — has delivered a major shock to the country’s football community.
These developments highlight fears that a similar situation could occur if the national team travels to cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle — both major centers of Iranian opposition abroad.
Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, pro-government supporters are unlikely to obtain U.S. visas this time, and stadium atmospheres are expected to be overwhelmingly critical of the Islamic Republic.
Another challenge is the issue of visas for some players. Mehdi Taremi, Iran’s star striker, could face difficulties entering the United States due to past social media posts against Israel and his military service in the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Although FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said that U.S. President Donald Trump has given the green light for Iran to participate in the World Cup, realities on the ground may be different.
Some analysts believe the Islamic Republic may ultimately cite the “war situation” as a reason to withdraw from the tournament, partly out of concern over potential player defections and political humiliation in U.S. stadiums.
Such a decision could shatter the long-held dream of head coach Amir Ghalenoei and his players to compete in the world’s biggest football event.
