Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the ongoing conflict with the United States.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday by Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, during an appearance on state television.
Donyamali said the withdrawal was driven by security concerns following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister stated.
The expanded 48-team tournament will take place across 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.
The minister stressed that the safety of Iranian citizens could not be guaranteed under the present circumstances.
“Our children are not safe and fundamentally the conditions for participation do not exist,” Donyamali said.
He further accused the US and Israel of hostile actions against Iran, claiming the country has faced two wars within the past eight or nine months that have resulted in thousands of casualties.
Iran has been in conflict with the US and Israel since February 28 following the killing of Khamenei. According to reports, the war has left about 1,255 people dead and more than 12,000 injured within the first 12 days.
The Persian nation had secured qualification for its seventh World Cup appearance after finishing among the top two teams in Group A of the Asian qualifiers.
