Havana, March 11 (RHC) – The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, reiterated his doubts today about the participation of the men’s national team in the 2026 World Cup, following the granting of asylum in Australia to five players from the country’s women’s national team.
Speaking to national television, Taj asserted that the situation creates uncertainty and difficulties for the team. “If the World Cup is held under these conditions, what person in their right mind would send their national team to such a place?” he asked.
The Australian government announced last Tuesday that it had granted asylum to five Iranian soccer players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, following their participation in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, currently underway in Australia.
Local media reported that at least two other players have requested to remain in the country.
The Iranian national team is scheduled to play its three group stage matches in the United States, two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, in a group with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
Taj emphasized that the final decision regarding participation rests with the national sports authorities, although he noted that the recent escalation of tensions with US and Israeli attacks complicates any optimism.
According to FIFA regulations, national federations cannot withdraw from official tournaments, and withdraw from the World Cup after the draw.
