Supporters of Iran attend the final match between Indonesia and Iran at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 7, 2026. (Photo by Claudio Pramana/NurPhoto) (Photo by Claudio Pramana / NurPhoto via AFP)The Iranian men’s football team is still planning to play in the upcoming World Cup in North America, Asian football officials said Monday, despite a warning that they may be at risk. “As far as we know, Iran is playing,” said Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation’s general secretary. “So we hope that they will solve their issues… and be able to participate in the World Cup,” he said. Seven members of Iran’s visiting football delegation competing in the Women’s Asian Cup had sought sanctuary in Australia after they were branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem.

Source: Punch March 16, 2026 12:24 UTC