The president of Iran's soccer federation has cast doubt on his country's participation in the 2026 World Cup following theU.S. bombing of Iranon Saturday, Feb 28.
The missile attacks, which were also carried out by Israel, killed a number of top Iranian officialsincluding the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran's state broadcaster reported the death toll from the strikes has reached 201 with 747 people injured as of Sunday, March 1.
"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," Mehdi Taj told Iran state television.
Iran has retaliated with attacks on countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, all of which host U.S. military bases.
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The conflict broke out only months before Iran is scheduled to travel to the United States for the2026 World Cup, which will also be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico.
Photos show Trump and celebs gather for 2026 World Cup draw
Iran was drawn into Group Galongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Team Melli is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Visitors from Iran are already set to be barred from entering the United States for the World Cup. Iran was among 19 countries included in atravel banthat the Trump administration announced in June.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks on Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said hisorganization was focused on "all the teams participating"in the World Cup as planned.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Iran unsure of 2026 World Cup status after US bombing, missile strikes
