Iran Plans to Brief Football Players on Potential War with Israel Before World Cup

iranwire – Iranian officials are planning meetings to brief national football team players on how to respond if military conflict with Israel erupts during the 2026 World Cup, IranWire has learned.

The meetings would include football federation managers, coaches, and players, along with representatives from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence organization and other intelligence agencies.

Iran’s team will compete as one of eight Asian representatives in the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“Security and military institutions are trying to brief federation managers, coaches, and especially players for any propaganda use during the World Cup competitions in case of a new military conflict between Iran and Israel,” a source said.

Iranian officials believe Israel is unlikely to launch a military attack during the tournament because of U.S. involvement as host nation, according to the source.

“The analysis they gave us is that given America’s hosting of the World Cup, it’s unlikely that Israel would start a military attack on Iran at least during the World Cup, because they probably wouldn’t see America’s full support as World Cup host,” the source told IranWire.

“But in any case, orders have come from above that federation managers, coaches, and national team players must be briefed for a possible conflict.”