The Iranian Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali has stated that the country’s men’s national team cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup under the current circumstances, citing the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel and the security situation following recent military strikes.
The decision follows U.S.- and Israeli-led airstrikes on Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and triggered a broader regional confrontation. Iranian officials say the attack and subsequent hostilities have made international travel and participation in global sporting events unsafe.
Speaking on state television, Donyamali declared that Iran could not take part in a tournament partly hosted by the United States under such conditions. He said that given the killing of the country’s leader and the wider conflict, there were “no circumstances” under which Iran could compete in the World Cup.
“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.” he said
His statement comes after FIFA president, Gianni Infantino said Donald Trumop had given assurances that the Iranian team would be welcomed at the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026 and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran had already secured qualification for the tournament after finishing top of its Asian qualifying group.
Before the withdrawal, Iran had been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with its matches scheduled to be played in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Seattle. The team was also expected to establish a base camp in Tucson, Arizona during the tournament.
The decision creates a significant challenge for FIFA, which must now determine how to fill the vacant spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Football’s governing body has not yet formally announced the replacement procedure but has indicated it is monitoring developments.
Under FIFA regulations, a team that withdraws after qualifying for the World Cup could face disciplinary sanctions and financial penalties. Reports indicate Iran may face a fine of at least 250,000 Swiss francs (about $320,000) and could be subject to further measures depending on FIFA’s final ruling.
If Iran’s withdrawal is confirmed by FIFA, another team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) could be selected to take its place. Nations such as Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, which narrowly missed qualification, have been mentioned as possible replacements.
Iran’s exit also highlights how the ongoing Middle East crisis is increasingly affecting international sport. In recent weeks, several sporting events involving Iranian athletes have been disrupted amid escalating hostilities in the region.
With just months remaining before the tournament begins, Iran’s withdrawal marks one of the most significant geopolitical disruptions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving FIFA to decide how the competition will proceed without one of Asia’s top teams.
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