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Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing ongoing conflict with the United States.
The decision was confirmed by Ahmad Donyamali, Iran sports minister, during an appearance on state television on Wednesday.
Citing safety concerns following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader, Donyamali stated, “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup”.
The 48-team tournament is scheduled to be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Iran is drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
The minister emphasised that the safety of Iranian citizens cannot be guaranteed under the current circumstances.
“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Donyamali 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.”
Iran has been in conflict with the US and Israel since February 28 following the killing of Khamenei.
The war has led to the deaths of 1,255 people and wounded more than 12,000 in the first 12 days.
The Persian nation booked a place for its seventh World Cup appearance following a top-two finish in Group A of the Asian qualifiers.
