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By: Paakhwesi Faith
In a dramatic development highlighting how geopolitics can impact global sport, Iran’s national football team will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced on Wednesday. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Speaking on state television, Donyamali explained that Iran cannot compete due to the ongoing conflict triggered by airstrikes from the United States and Israel, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and sparked wider hostilities. He described the current climate as unsafe and incompatible with sending the national team abroad.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup … Our children are not safe,” Donyamali said.
Iran had already qualified for the World Cup and was placed in Group G, with scheduled matches against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All group-stage matches were set to take place in U.S. venues, including Los Angeles and Seattle.
The decision follows earlier signs of tension, including Iran’s absence from a recent FIFA World Cup planning summit in Atlanta, and public statements from Iranian football officials expressing reluctance to participate amid war and political strain.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump, who assured that the Iranian team would be welcome to compete if they chose to attend. Trump also indicated he would “not care” whether Iran participates, highlighting football’s potential as a unifying event despite political tensions.
However, Iranian authorities have made clear that the current conflict environment precludes participation. As of now, FIFA has not issued a formal confirmation of Iran’s withdrawal or announced next steps regarding potential replacement teams or related sanctions.
Source: Locotvgh