World football governing body FIFA could fine Iran’s national team at least $320,000 if it follows through on plans to boycott matches at the 2026 World Cup.

The expanded tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), has indicated that the team could boycott matches scheduled in the United States while still preparing to compete in the tournament.

Under FIFA regulations, all participating teams are required to fulfil their fixtures. Any team that withdraws within 30 days of the tournament’s opening match faces a minimum fine of 250,000 Swiss francs (approximately $320,000).

Earlier, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali suggested the team could withdraw from matches in the United States amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Iran has been drawn in a group alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with all three fixtures scheduled to take place on U.S. soil.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to run from June 11 to July 19, with Argentina entering as defending champions after their victory over France in the 2022 final.

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned, insisting that all qualified teams are expected to participate. (BusinessDay)

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