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Iran has announced it will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the ongoing conflict with the United States. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed the decision during an appearance on state television on Wednesday, saying the current security situation made participation impossible.
He said Iran could not attend the tournament following what he described as the assassination of the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stressing that under such circumstances the nation would not take part in the competition.
The 48-team tournament is scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Iran had been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
Donyamali said the safety of Iranian citizens could not be guaranteed in the present situation, adding that the prevailing conditions did not allow for the country’s participation in the global event. He also accused the United States and its allies of actions that had intensified hostilities against Iran, claiming that the conflict had forced the country into war over several months and led to thousands of deaths.
“Our children are not safe, and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. 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.”
Iran has been in conflict with the United States and Israel since February 28, following the killing of Khamenei. The fighting has reportedly left more than 1,200 people dead and injured over 12,000 within the first 12 days.
Iran had secured qualification for what would have been its seventh World Cup appearance after finishing in the top two of Group A in the Asian qualifying series.
