Iran has pulled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The country’s sports minister made the announcement on state television on Wednesday, citing the ongoing conflict with the United States.
Ahmad Donyamali, the sports minister, said the team cannot take part in the tournament following the death of Iran’s supreme leader.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It runs from June 11 to July 19. Iran had already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament and was placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
The minister also raised concerns about the safety of the players.
“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” he explained.
Tensions between Iran and the United States worsened after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. Since then, conflict has claimed more than 1,200 lives and left over 12,000 people wounded in less than two weeks.
Donyamali added: “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.”
It remains unclear how FIFA will respond to Iran’s withdrawal or what it means for the other teams in Group G.
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