Iran may not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the country’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali, who seemingly confirmed the decision on Wednesday. The tournament, organized by FIFA, is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with kickoff scheduled for June 11th to July 16th 2026.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle Easy following airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and sparked a wider regional conflict.
Speaking to state television, Donyamali said the circumstances surrounding the attacks have made it impossible for Iran to take part in the tournament. “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” he said. “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.”
Iran had initially secured its place in the tournament comfortably in March last year after finishing top of Group A in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. The team had been drawn into Group G for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, where they were set to face the Belgium national football team, the Egypt national football team, and the New Zealand national football team.
The announcement has now placed the tournament organizers in a difficult position. Iran’s withdrawal could force FIFA to find a replacement team from the Asian confederation to fill the vacant spot in the competition.
However, FIFA has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation, leaving uncertainty over how the governing body will respond as preparations for the World Cup continue.
