US EditionIran cannot participate in World Cup, sports minister says
Citing safety concerns and ongoing conflict after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes killed its supreme leader, Iran's sports minister declared the nation will not participate in the 2026 World Cup.
- This year, Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali ruled out the Iran men's national football team playing at the U.S.-hosted World Cup.
- Tehran points to recent airstrikes and the killing of the supreme leader, saying 'Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup', Donyamali said.
- Qualified for the June 11-July 18 tournament, the team was slated to play three group matches against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Inglewood, California and Seattle.
- Six players chose to stay in Australia after receiving humanitarian visas, and Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj hinted at a possible boycott following recent events.
- FIFA said the World Cup will go on and noted Heimo Schirgi, FIFA chief operating officer, said 'We basically take it day by day, and at some stage we will have a resolution'.
308 Articles
308 Articles
Engaged in a conflict in the Middle East, the President of the United States took a position on Thursday on Iran's future participation in the World Championship, which begins on June 11.
Iran's Sports Minister Says National Team Will Not Travel to FIFA World Cup in US
In the context of the brutal and unprovoked attacks on Iran by the United States and the Israeli colony, the sports minister of Iran, Ahman Donyamali, stated on Wednesday that the Iranian national team will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iran is scheduled to play its three group-stage matches in the United States. “Given that this corrupt regime [the Trump administration] has assassinated our leader, we cannot participate in the Wor…
Iran Official Rules Out 2026 FIFA World Cup Participation Amid Conflicts with US
The 2026 FIFA World Cup could begin this summer with one striking absence. Iran, already qualified for football's biggest stage, may walk away from the tournament after its government said taking part would be impossible following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a recent conflict with the United States and Israel. FIFA leaders and US officials say the Iranian team remains welcome. Tehran's top sports authority, however, i…
If Iran withdraws from the World Cup, it could fundamentally shake up the field just three months before the opening match. What will FIFA do?
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