*This content was translated by AI.
With the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup just three months away, Iran, which has been hit by massive airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel, is making a huge impact on the global soccer community, suggesting that it will not participate in the tournament. Some predicted China's potential to join the dramatic World Cup, but it has already abandoned expectations there.
"Unlike South Korea and Japan, China ranked fifth in the third qualifying group and did not even advance to the fourth qualifying round," Chinese media Sohu Dotcom said on the 2nd (Korea Standard Time), adding, "China is not subject to consideration for advancing to the World Cup under FIFA regulations."
The North Korea-China World Cup has been fluctuating even before the opening. With Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei killed in a surprise U.S.-Israeli airstrike, the situation in the Middle East is now in extreme confrontation.
In response, Iran has already hinted at the possibility of not attending the North Korea-China U.S. World Cup. According to Spain's "Marca," Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Association, told Iranian state television, "The U.S. attack has made it very difficult to optimistically predict Iran's participation in the World Cup," adding, "The final decision will be made by national sports leaders."
In addition, Taj said, "This situation is directly related to the political and security situation beyond the realm of pure sports," adding, "All leagues and soccer-related activities in Iran will be suspended until further notice for the safety of players and fans."
Foreign media are also heavily reporting the possibility of Iran's absence. The BBC, a leading British newspaper, predicted that if Iran confirms its boycott, Iraq and the UAE could have a chance to play in the World Cup.
Iran was even scheduled to play all games in the U.S. mainland Los Angeles and Seattle, tied with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G of the North-China World Cup. However, U.S. President Donald Trump has been at odds with Middle Eastern countries for a long time, even implementing a ban on entry to some countries, including Iran. Since the match drawing ceremony at the end of last year, it has been in a state of disorder, with high-ranking officials of the Iranian Football Association being denied visas.
The direction of qualification for the finals is also fluctuating. Iran has already qualified along with South Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Australia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but Iraq, which is in the intercontinental playoff, is expected to benefit if Iran returns the ticket.
Currently, Iraq has advanced to the playoffs by beating the UAE 3-2 through the fifth qualifying round. On March 31, Mexico is set to play a single match against the winner of Bolivia-Surinam.
According to FIFA regulations, the position of a Red Card team usually goes to the loser of the continental playoff or the highest-ranking team among the non-contested countries. As a result, if Iran is absent, Iraq will secure tickets to North Korea, China and the U.S., regardless of the results of the playoffs. If Iraq wins, it can qualify for the finals to the UAE, which is in the second place.
FIFA is also moving with urgency due to the unprecedented situation. According to the sports media 'ESPN', FIFA Secretary-General Matthias Graffström immediately convened an internal meeting after receiving relevant news at the International Football Council (IFAB) annual general meeting. FIFA's top priority is for all teams to play the tournament safely," he said.
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*This content was translated by AI.
