The Iranian government has announced its national football team will not compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in alleged US-Israeli airstrikes and the escalating armed conflict across the Middle East.
In a statement to state television, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed the decision, declaring that “under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”
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š Join Our ChannelHe accused the United States of assassinating Iran’s leader and creating an untenable situation for the team’s involvement in the tournament, which is co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
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Donyamali stated that the US and Israel have imposed multiple wars on Iran, leading to thousands of casualties. He argued that the national team could not be sent to compete in what Tehran considers an unsafe environment.
Iran was the first nation to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament. However, all of its scheduled Group G matches, including games in Los Angeles and Seattle, were set to be played on US soil.
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Despite Tehran’s firm stance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, who affirmed that the Iranian team would be welcome to participate. Infantino highlighted football’s role as a unifying force and stressed the World Cup’s significance amid rising global tensions.
Iran’s withdrawal creates a vacancy in Group G. FIFA has yet to announce how it will address the situation, but potential options include naming a replacement team or imposing sanctions if Iran’s absence is finalized.
