Iran’s sports minister has claimed the country will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the current security situation makes sending the national team “impossible” after the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US strikes.
Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that, given the circumstances, there was no rationale for taking part in the tournament and that authorities could not guarantee the safety of Iranian players, staff, or supporters.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Iran’s group-stage fixtures scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj also raised doubts about participation, questioning who would be willing to send a national team under such conditions.
The comments come amid heightened regional tensions after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago, triggering a wider conflict in the Gulf. Iran had been the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
At the same time, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he discussed the tournament and the situation in Iran with US President Donald Trump, and quoted Trump as saying Iran’s team would be welcome to compete.
Infantino said Trump reiterated the Iranian side is “of course” welcome at the tournament, and added that the World Cup can serve as an event that brings people together.
