Iran's prospects of competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been further clouded following the cancellation of two pre-tournament friendly matches, raising fresh questions about whether the team will appear in the United States this summer.

North Macedonia and Angola had both been scheduled to face Iran as part of their World Cup preparations on American soil. Both opponents pulled out, according to a report by Tehran Times.

"One of these matches was against North Macedonia. Despite previous agreements and an official statement from the football federation confirming the match, North Macedonia decided to cancel the friendly,"

Tehran Times also reported that Angola, set to play Iran in the United States ahead of the tournament, cancelled their fixture as well. The Iranian Football Federation is now searching for replacement opponents to keep the squad's preparation schedule on course.

A place under threat

Iran qualified for the World Cup on merit, yet their participation has been shadowed by political tensions surrounding the United States as a host nation. Concerns over the safety and welcome of Iranian players, supporters, and officials travelling to the US have loomed over the team's involvement for months.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino's close relationship with US president Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism, with many observers arguing the governing body has left itself without any meaningful response to warnings that Iranian visitors may not be safe on American soil. FIFA has previously sanctioned national federations whose governments have engaged in military aggression against fellow member nations, making its current posture appear inconsistent.

Reports earlier circulated suggesting Italy could take Iran's place in the tournament — a proposal that had little sporting legitimacy and was swiftly dismissed by the Italian government. Should Iran formally withdraw, a play-off scenario to determine a replacement is considered the more credible route.

Group G fixtures in the US

Iran were drawn into Group G, and all three of their group stage matches are scheduled to be played on US soil. Their campaign opens against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 15, followed by a meeting with Belgium at the same venue on June 21. They conclude the group stage against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 26.

Whether Iran will actually take to the field for any of those fixtures remains an open question, with each new development adding weight to the possibility that the Iranian government or football federation may ultimately choose to withdraw.