Iran is not in a position to participate in the 2026 World Cup, according to the country's Minister of Sports and Youth. Ahmad Donyamali told state television on Wednesday that "under no circumstances" can the national team compete in the tournament. The decision follows military strikes by the United States and Israel on 28 February, which resulted in the death of the country's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Donyamali stated that safety conditions for the team do not exist. He cited recent conflicts and the deaths of thousands of Iranian citizens as reasons for the boycott. The announcement comes despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino receiving assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that the Iranian team would be welcome.
Iran had qualified for the tournament and was drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three of their scheduled matches were to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle, per The Guardian. FIFA has not yet issued a formal statement regarding a replacement team.
