Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, announced Tuesday that the country is “not in a position” to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by U.S. and Israeli forces.
“Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate,” Donyamali stated, citing safety concerns for players amidst ongoing missile and drone exchanges.
The announcement casts a shadow over the tournament, set to begin June 11 in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Iran was scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted that President Donald Trump told him Iran is “welcome to compete,” emphasizing that football should “unite the world.”
Iranian Football Federation head Mehdi Taj also questioned participation, citing recent “humanitarian” visas granted to members of the women’s national team by Australia as a sign of instability.
If Iran officially withdraws, FIFA retains “sole discretion” to replace them with another nation.
