Iran has officially announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing ongoing conflict with the United States and rising security concerns following the death of the country’s supreme leader.
The decision was confirmed by Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, during a state television appearance on Wednesday.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.
The expanded 48-team tournament is scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Iran had already qualified and was drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
The minister emphasized that the safety of Iranian players and citizens could not be guaranteed under the current geopolitical climate.
“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” he added.
“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”
The conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel escalated on February 28 following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The war has since claimed over 1,200 lives and left more than 12,000 wounded in less than two weeks.
Iran’s withdrawal comes as the region remains volatile, raising questions about security for international sporting events and the impact of geopolitics on global sports.
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