Iran has reportedly threatened to pull out of this summer's World Cup after US and Israeli airstrikes killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Should they choose to participate, Iran could face the United States at the World Cup in Dallas on July 3 if both teams finish second in their respective groups. FIFA bosses are now reportedly scrambling to manage the fallout just months before the tournament begins across the United States, Canada and Mexico. 'We had a final draw in Washington where all teams participated and of course our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating.' Khamenei's death does not guarantee regime change in Iran and Tehran has responded by launching its own attacks across the Middle East.

Source: Daily Mail March 01, 2026 01:13 UTC