Iran Will Not Participate in 2026 World Cup Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Iran will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, according to a statement from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali. The decision comes amid heightened tensions and conflict involving the U.S. And Israel.

Security Concerns and Political Tensions

Donyamali cited security concerns and the political climate as the primary reasons for Iran’s withdrawal. He stated that the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, and the deaths of numerous top officials following attacks by the U.S. And Israel made participation untenable. “Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali told state television as reported by USA TODAY.

He further emphasized the lack of safety for Iranian players and the overall impossibility of participation given the ongoing conflict. “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Donyamali added.

FIFA and U.S. Responses

FIFA President Gianni Infantino initially stated that U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed a willingness to welcome the Iranian national team to the tournament according to CBS News. However, Trump later indicated to Politico that he “really don’t care” if Iran participated as reported by CBS News.

FIFA has been contacted for comment on Donyamali’s declaration, but a response has not yet been publicly released.

Scheduled Matches and Previous Qualification

Iran was originally scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26 according to USA TODAY. The team had secured a spot in the tournament after finishing atop its Asian qualifying group. Notably, Iran was the first country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup but was absent from a planning session held earlier this month in Atlanta as reported by CBS News.

Ongoing Conflict

The decision follows a period of escalating conflict that began on February 28, with military campaigns resulting in the deaths of Iranian officials and attacks on U.S. Military facilities and other targets in the Middle East according to USA TODAY.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19.