Iran has announced that it will not participate in the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup, citing security risks and strained relations with the United States.
Sports Minister Ahmad Doyanmali said in a statement that ongoing conflict and political tensions make participation impossible.
"Given that this corrupt government has murdered our leader, there are no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup," Doyanmali said.
"Two wars have been imposed on us in eight or nine months, and several thousand of our citizens have been killed. Therefore, we have no chance of participating in this way."
The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, had earlier been confirmed to welcome Iran.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino said he met US President Donald Trump, who assured him that Iran’s team would be welcome to compete.
Iran’s participation was in doubt following airstrikes by US and Israeli forces targeting Iranian territory, which led to Iranian retaliation against US bases and allies in the region.
Iran’s men’s national team was scheduled to play New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium on 21 June and Egypt on June 26.
Meanwhile, the conflict has also affected Iran’s women’s football team. Reports indicate that several players, while in Australia, sought asylum after being encouraged to do so by local authorities, highlighting the political pressures facing athletes abroad.
The ongoing regional escalation has raised concerns over safety and the logistics of international sporting events, with Iran’s withdrawal underscoring the impact of political tensions on global sports.
