The Iran national football team is preparing to compete in the 2026 World Cup despite security and political concerns. They are scheduled to play in Group G against Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. The President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, has announced that Iran is in talks with FIFA to hold their matches in Mexico. This comes after former US President Donald Trump stated that he cannot guarantee the security of the Iranian national team. Iran is required to travel to the US for the 2026 World Cup, despite highly tense political relations between the two countries. Mehdi Taj, the President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has stated that Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup unless security and political conditions are fully guaranteed. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has also stated that Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup due to the US having killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled, with all 48 teams participating in the tournament.