Explainer-Iran and the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada

March 2 : Iran's participation in this year's World Cup has been called into question after co-hosts the United States launched joint air strikes at the country along with Israel at the weekend.

WHY IS THERE A DOUBT OVER IRAN'S WORLD CUP PARTICIPATION?

Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said the viciousness of the attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces did not augur well for the World Cup.

Stopping short of talking about a boycott, Taj said senior Iranian sports officials would evaluate the situation before deciding if any action should be taken.

No Iranian officials have yet spoken publicly about the country withdrawing from the tournament.

WHERE AND WHEN IS THE WORLD CUP TAKING PLACE?

The 23rd World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 this year.

Iran secured a trip to a fourth successive World Cup by topping Group A in the third round of Asian qualifying last year.

In the draw last December, the Iranians were grouped with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. All three of their Group G matches are scheduled to take place in the U.S., two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IRAN WITHDREW FROM THE WORLD CUP?In the modern era, no team who have already qualified have not taken part in the World Cup finals.

The closest comparison came ahead of the 1992 European Championship when Yugoslavia was mired in a bloody civil war which ultimately led to the break up of the country.

The United Nations placed sanctions on Yugoslavia with the result that FIFA and UEFA suspended the country from competitive football on the eve of the tournament.

They were replaced by Denmark, who had finished second behind Yugoslavia in their qualifying