Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. Growing military tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have cast serious doubt over the Iranian national football team’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The latest escalation began on Saturday, when US and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iranian targets. In response, Tehran launched missiles and drones at Israeli positions and US military bases across the Middle East, widening fears of a broader regional conflict. The human toll has risen rapidly. By Monday morning, reports indicated that at least 555 people had been killed in Iran and 10 in Israel. Three US soldiers were confirmed dead in action, while an additional 38 people were reported killed in other countries across the region as violence spread beyond the initial flashpoints. The escalating casualties have intensified international concern and added to uncertainty surrounding major global events scheduled in the coming months. Against this backdrop, questions are emerging about Iran’s ability to take part in the World Cup, which is set to begin on June 11 in Mexico. Canada and the United States will host their opening matches on June 12, and the final is scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Iran has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, and is scheduled to play all of its group-stage matches on the US West Coast.
According to the current schedule, Iran will face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21—also in Los Angeles—and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. While Iranian authorities have not officially withdrawn from the tournament, a senior football official has acknowledged that the team’s participation has been thrown into question. If the conflict continues or intensifies, issues related to security, travel logistics and diplomatic relations could significantly affect both Iran’s involvement and broader tournament planning. (Source: BBC)
