The first reaction from FIFA after the start of the military conflict in Asia » What they say about Iran's participation in the World Cup
Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Saturday, February 28, 2026, 6:34 p.m. / Updated Saturday, February 28, 2026, 6:46 p.m.
FIFA has offered its own response to the military conflict in Iran and Israel, with the former nation's participation in this summer's World Cup in mind.
Israel and the United States launched a massive joint military operation against Iran on Saturday, hitting targets in Tehran and other cities. The response came in the form of a missile barrage against Israel and US bases in the region, and the situation in the Middle East is now explosive.
FIFA, the first reaction in the context of the situation in Iran
The military situation in the Middle East also affects the world of football. Given that Iran is one of the teams that will compete in the upcoming World Cup, FIFA was asked about what happened, and the international federation emphasized, through a spokesman, that it was monitoring developments.
“I read the news about Iran this morning, as did you. I had a meeting today and it is too early to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments on all issues worldwide.
We conducted the group draw in Washington, in which all teams participated. Our focus is on a safe World Cup with all teams participating. We will continue to communicate, as we always do, with the three host country governments. Everyone will be safe,” said Matthias Grafstrom, FIFA Secretary General.
Matthias Grafstrom, Secretary General of FIFA.
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On the last day of February, Israel together with the United States of America launched a military attack on Iran, called “Operation Epic Fury”, with the aim of destroying parts of the military and nuclear capabilities of the state with the capital in Terehan. Donald Trump himself, the president of the United States of America, announced the start of this military operation.
Iran qualified for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where they were drawn in a group alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
