Iran will not participate in the World Cup, according to the Iranian sports minister.
The Iranian sports minister announced on Wednesday that Iran will not be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup due to airstrikes on the nation by the United States and Israel.
“Considering that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, there are no circumstances that permit us to take part in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali stated, as reported by media citing the DPA agency, referring to the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran was scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles in June—against New Zealand and Belgium—before concluding their group stage with a match against Egypt in Seattle.
However, their involvement became uncertain after the U.S. and Israel initiated airstrikes on February 28.
U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed to FIFA that Iran is “welcome” to participate in the tournament, according to Gianni Infantino, despite having previously remarked that he “really didn’t care” about Iran’s involvement.
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Trump’s remarks followed Iranian officials beginning to voice concerns regarding whether their team should attend the World Cup.
“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” stated Mehdi Taj, Iran’s top soccer official and vice president of the Asian Football Confederation.
FIFA’s regulations regarding the implications of Iran’s potential withdrawal are unclear, but it is conceivable that either Iraq or the UAE could replace them in Group G.
