12th Mar, 2026 @ 08:00 am

Richarlison denies rumors of boycotting the World Cup due to Middle East conflicts.

Specifically, an account on platform X posted an edited screenshot, attributing it to...Richarlisonspokesperson:"I won't play in the World Cup until the war is over."

The photo quickly sparked rumors that the 28-year-old striker would boycott the World Cup held in North America to protest the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. XO88

However, Richarlison immediately dismissed it as fake news.

"To clarify, since the fake news has gone too far: I never made such a statement."He affirmed.

"Although I oppose all forms of war and conflict, I never said I wouldn't play for Brazil at the World Cup. I hope everyone who shared this false information will remove and delete their posts."

Will escalating conflict affect the World Cup?

The conflict in the Middle East entered its fourth day after attacks launched by the US and Israel on Saturday killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Subsequently, a number of Gulf states, including Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, became targets of retaliatory strikes from Tehran.

The Brazilian government was also among the countries condemning the military actions of the US and Israel, arguing that the attacks took place while negotiations were still ongoing, the only viable path to achieving peace—a position Brazil has long maintained in the region.

The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the possibility of holding the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, a tournament scheduled to begin in about 100 days. Iran is even considering withdrawing from the competition.

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The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, told the country's media that the national team's participation remains uncertain.

"At this point, given the severity of the attack, it's difficult for us to look forward to the World Cup with optimism."Taj said.

Iran is in Group G along with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. If they qualify, their matches against New Zealand and Belgium would take place in Los Angeles, while their clash with Egypt would be held in Seattle. However, the West Asian representative's chances of participating are becoming increasingly uncertain.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, US President Donald Trump said he expected the conflict to last four weeks or less, meaning the host nation still has more than two months to prepare before the world's biggest football tournament begins.