Iran says it cannot take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a wider regional conflict.
Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the security situation makes participation impossible.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” he told state television.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, featuring an expanded 48-team format.
Iran had already been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with all three group matches scheduled in the U.S., including games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said more than 1,300 civilians have died since the airstrikes began on Feb. 28.
Under rules set by FIFA, any team that withdraws less than 30 days before its first match faces a minimum fine of 250,000 Swiss francs and could face additional sanctions, including suspension from future competitions.
Earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed he had spoken with Donald Trump, who said the Iranian team would still be welcome to compete in the U.S.
Meanwhile, tensions around Iranian football have also surfaced elsewhere. Australia recently granted humanitarian visas to several Iranian women footballers who sought asylum after refusing to sing the national anthem during a continental tournament.
With the conflict ongoing, Iran’s participation in the tournament — and months of World Cup preparations — now hangs in the balance.
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