Resolution Criteria

The market resolves YES if Iran fields a team and plays at least one match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June-July 2026). The market resolves NO if Iran officially withdraws, is barred or fails to participate for any reason. Resolution will be determined by official FIFA records and tournament participation records available at FIFA.com.

Background

Iran finished atop Group A in the AFC World Cup Qualifying competition and was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with matches planned in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated by a joint military operation from the USA and Israel, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded by attacking various US bases across the Gulf. The Iranian domestic league has been suspended, and the federation is currently deliberating with government officials.

Considerations

Following military conflict and airstrikes on the Iranian Football Federation's President Mehdi Taj, the national team is expected to boycott the 48-team event. Iran is among 39 countries subject to Donald Trump's expanded travel ban, and they boycotted the draw for the group stage in late 2025, with key Iranian officials unable to get visas to travel to the event. Should Iran withdraw before the tournament begins, FIFA regulations allow for replacement by a nominated alternate, typically the highest-ranked non-qualified team from the same confederation such as Iraq or the United Arab Emirates.

This description was generated by AI.