Iran's World Cup Participation in Doubt After Airstrikes, Leader's Death

• Reports suggest Iran may withdraw from FIFA World Cup 2026 following alleged US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Iran had secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup, drawn in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt.
• The US and Israel launched an offensive across Iran, leading to retaliatory strikes by Tehran targeting US bases in the Middle East and Israel.
• Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj stated, "it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup" after the attacks.
• FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom confirmed monitoring developments, emphasizing a safe World Cup with all teams participating.