Iran will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the nation’s sports minister announced Wednesday, throwing the tournament’s group stage into disarray. The decision comes amid escalating tensions following recent military strikes.
Ahmad Donyamali explained the team’s withdrawal in an interview with state television, stating, “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup. Our children are not safe, and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.” He added, “Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. We certainly cannot have such a presence.”
The announcement, made on March 11, 2026, casts a shadow over the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19. Iran was slated to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by matches against Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
The decision follows a period of heightened conflict, sparked by U.S. And Israeli military actions that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, and numerous other high-ranking officials. CBS Sports reports that Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. Military facilities and other targets in the Middle East.
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that U.S. President Donald Trump had assured him that Iran would be “welcome” to compete in the tournament. Though, Infantino later posted on social media that Trump had reiterated this stance, saying, “President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.” Despite this, Donyamali’s declaration leaves Iran’s participation in serious doubt.
