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 by Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali during a state television appearance on Wednesday.
He said the withdrawal follows escalating tensions after the reported assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.
The expanded 48-team tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran had qualified for the competition after finishing in the top two of Group A in the Asian qualifiers.
Iran were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with their group matches expected to be played in U.S. cities including Seattle and Los Angeles.
Donyamali stressed that the current situation makes participation impossible. “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.
“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.”
The withdrawal creates a major complication for FIFA, led by president Gianni Infantino. Under FIFA regulations, the governing body now has the authority to decide how the vacant spot in Group G will be filled.
Reports suggest that Iraq and the United Arab Emirates could be considered as possible replacements from the Asian confederation.
However, the decision may come with consequences. FIFA rules state that a nation withdrawing less than 30 days before the tournament can face a minimum fine of €550,000 and may also risk sporting sanctions, including potential exclusion from future competitions such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
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