The Iranian national team enters its match against Nigeria today, Friday, amidst war, fiery statements, and warnings, as part of a four-nation tournament in Antalya, Turkey, as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, featuring 48 teams participating for the first time in World Cup history.

In recent hours, Iranian media, quoting the Ministry of Sports, announced that Iran has banned national sports teams and clubs from traveling to countries it considers hostile until further notice, due to concerns about the safety of Iranian athletes.

The ministry stated: "National teams and clubs are prohibited from being present in countries considered hostile and unable to ensure the safety of Iranian athletes and team members until further notice."

Practically, it is difficult to determine Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, but so far, participation is proceeding steadily, especially as the national team will take part in the four-nation tournament preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, said in statements previously conveyed by the Mexican embassy via platform "X": "When (US President Donald) Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America."

He added: “We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”

While FIFA confirmed that it is in contact with the Iranian Federation, it did not mention that rescheduling matches is being considered.

A FIFA spokesperson told Agence France-Presse: "FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the 2026 World Cup."

He added: "FIFA looks forward to the participation of all teams according to the match schedule announced on December 6, 2025."

Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle, with its headquarters supposed to be during the tournament in Tucson, Arizona.

If Iran does not participate in the World Cup, it remains unclear which country would replace it.