On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes against Iran, code-named Operation "Epic Fury." During the campaign, a girls' primary school in Minab, southern Iran, was struck. Al Jazeera reported at least 51 killed at the school and two more at another school east of Tehran. BBC placed the death toll at 108, while RT reported 148 dead and 95 wounded. The Iranian Red Crescent reported 201 killed and 747 injured nationwide. RBC later cited Iranian authorities stating that 175 teachers and students had been killed over two days, including more than 160 at the Shajare Tayyebe school in Minab. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also killed in the strikes.

On March 2, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strikes as "surgical," despite the high civilian toll. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared images of graves of more than 160 girls killed in Minab, denouncing a war crime.

Amid the escalating conflict, questions arose over Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. On March 2, FIFA Secretary General Grafstrom expressed hope that all qualified countries would attend. Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj suggested a possible boycott. On March 3, US Soccer general director Jay T Batson voiced support for Iran's participation. However, President Donald Trump told reporters he "really doesn't care" whether Iran participates. Iran was the only nation absent from a FIFA planning meeting in Atlanta.

On March 7, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson showed damage to Tehran's Azadi Stadium from the strikes and called for responses from FIFA and the International Olympic Committee. On March 8, open-source investigators at Bellingcat released video evidence showing a US Tomahawk missile striking an IRGC facility in Minab on February 28, with smoke rising from the nearby girls' school. The footage contradicted Trump's assertion that an Iranian missile had hit the school.

By May, a resolution was reached for Iran's team logistics. On May 25, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host Iran's national team in Tijuana during the World Cup, after the United States declined to host them. Sheinbaum stated that Mexico had "no issue" with the arrangement. The team will travel to the US for their group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle but will not stay overnight.

On June 1, Iran announced its 26-man World Cup squad, excluding prolific striker Sardar Azmoun, who has 57 international goals. Coach Amir Ghalenoei opted for Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh. Azmoun's exclusion followed controversy over a photograph with Dubai's ruler during the US-Israeli war. Rostov midfielder Mohammad Mohebi was included in the squad.

On June 2, the team departed for Spain en route to Mexico, still awaiting US visas. Players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani told the Associated Press that the ongoing war is making preparations difficult, but they aim to make Iranians proud.

On June 5, a White House official confirmed that Iran's World Cup players have been granted US visas, 10 days before their first match in Los Angeles. The Independent reported the visas were issued after delays that forced the team to move its base from Arizona to Tijuana. Iran's ambassador to Mexico, however, said the team had not yet received the visas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would deny visas to Iranian delegation members linked to the Revolutionary Guards. The team is expected to arrive in Mexico on June 7 and will enter the US on June 14 ahead of their opening match against New Zealand on June 15. Iran is in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.