Iran is not participating in a FIFA event in the US, and its presence at the World Cup is uncertain.

The country was attacked by the United States last weekend.

FIFA held a planning event this week with the national teams that will compete in the next World Cup. During the three days in Atlanta, a series of meetings and workshops were held for the national federations that will be at the World Cup. The sessions addressed topics related to sports medicine, facilities, match organization, and commercial matters. But one country was not present. Amidst the war following an attack by the United States, Iran did not send a delegation to the North American country.

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The absence of the Iranian delegation has raised the possibility that the Asian country will not participate in the next World Cup. The Cup begins on June 11th, with Mexico vs. South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

The unprecedented military conflict between the host country, the USA, and an already qualified team, Iran — which also targeted other qualified nations such as Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia — poses a concrete threat to the structure of the World Cup.

If Iran decides not to participate in the World Cup, FIFA will have to choose whether to replace the team or have one less participant in the tournament.

Asian qualification for the World Cup is complex, divided into three groups, with Iran leading Group A and securing a direct spot. Saudi Arabia and Qatar then joined, while the United Arab Emirates and Iraq went to the playoffs; Iraq won in November and will now compete in the playoffs against the winner between Bolivia and Suriname later this month. If Iraq qualifies, the United Arab Emirates would be the next available Asian team, although FIFA could, improbably, look outside the confederation and choose a loser from the playoffs.

Iran will play its three group stage matches in the U.S. — two in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle — from June 15 to 26.

Interestingly, if Iran decides to participate, it could face its biggest rival. It’s possible that Iran could face the United States national team in Arlington, Texas, should both finish second in their respective groups.

“What we can say now is that, due to this attack and its ferocity, it is far from our expectations to look to the World Cup with hope,” said Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation.