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'.
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302 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 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?
Iran World Cup withdrawal threat casts doubt over All Whites' opening
Iranian players look on during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Cambodia. Their participation in the World Cup is now in doubt. Photo: Getty Images The statement from Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali today that Iran could not take part in a World Cup being co-hosted by the United States offered the clearest indication yet of the potential for a first withdrawal from global soccer's showpiece event in the modern era.
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