Iran Officially Rules Out 2026 World Cup Participation Amid U.S.-Led Conflict, Sports Minister Declares"

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 Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has confirmed that the national football team will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This decision comes amid the escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which reportedly resulted in the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In statements to Iranian state television on March 11, 2026, Donyamali emphasized security concerns and the impossibility of participation under current conditions. Key quotes from his remarks include:

"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup."

"Our players do not have security, and fundamentally the conditions for participation do not exist."

"Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it's not possible for us to take part in the World Cup."

Iran qualified for the tournament and was drawn into Group G, with all three group-stage matches scheduled in the U.S. (two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle against opponents including Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand).

This announcement follows earlier doubts raised by Iran's Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, about the feasibility of competing in the U.S. amid the tensions. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that U.S. President Donald Trump assured him Iran would be welcome to compete, with no formal obstructions planned.

As of now, no official withdrawal has been lodged with FIFA, but the minister's firm statement signals a likely boycott or non-participation. The 48-team World Cup is set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Iran's absence would create a vacancy in the group stage, with FIFA expected to address replacement or format adjustments if the decision is finalized.

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