The Iranian national men’s soccer team may not participate in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to a statement from Iran’s Minister of Sport and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali. The decision stems from ongoing conflict in the Middle East and, specifically, what Donyamali described as attacks by the United States and Israel.
Donyamali’s comments, reported by the DPA news agency, arrive after a period of heightened tensions. He stated, “Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we do not have the conditions to participate in the World Cup.” The minister was referring to the death of Ayatollah Ali Jamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, following reported aerial attacks from the U.S. And Israel beginning February 28th. Further attacks on Iranian soil occurred last summer, adding to the escalating situation.
“Due to the malicious measures taken against Iran, we were forced to fight two wars in eight or nine months, and thousands of our compatriots were killed. We have no possibility of participating in this way,” Donyamali insisted.
Uncertainty Remains
Iran had already qualified for the tournament, scheduled to run from June 11th to July 18th. They were slated to play their group stage matches against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in the United States – the first two in Inglewood, California, and the third in Seattle. The potential absence of Iran would alter the competitive landscape of Group F.
This potential boycott follows similar concerns raised by the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, regarding the treatment of the Iranian women’s team at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Six players reportedly chose to remain in Australia after being granted humanitarian visas by the Australian government, a move reportedly encouraged by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who offered to provide visas if Australia did not. Taj questioned the wisdom of sending any Iranian national team to the United States given the political climate, asking, “What sensible person would send their national team to the United States if the World Cup were as political as it was in Australia?”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated on Instagram that Donald Trump assured him during a meeting on Tuesday that the Iranian team “is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States” despite the ongoing conflict. This statement attempts to alleviate concerns and potentially pave the way for Iran’s participation.
Ahmad Donyamali, born in 1960, has a diverse background in Iranian politics and sports administration. According to Wikipedia, he served as a Member of Parliament representing Bandar-e Anzali from 2020 to 2024 and was appointed Minister of Sport and Youth in August 2024 under President Masoud Pezeshkian. Prior to his ministerial role, Donyamali held positions as chairman of the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran and president of the Canoeing, Rowing & Sailing Federation. He also served on the Tehran City Council from 2013 to 2017.
Donyamali’s political career began with a background in the Revolutionary Guards, serving in the 25th Karbala Division during the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Development and a Doctorate in Urban Planning, demonstrating a strong academic foundation alongside his practical experience in public service.
The situation remains fluid, and a final decision regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup is still pending. The potential absence of a qualified team due to geopolitical factors raises significant questions about the intersection of sports and international relations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Iran will take the field this summer, and what impact this decision will have on the tournament and the broader sporting world.
The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation adds another layer of complexity to a World Cup already anticipated to be one of the most politically charged in recent memory. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be a global spectacle, but the potential absence of a nation grappling with significant internal and external pressures casts a shadow over the event.
As of March 11, 2026, no official confirmation has been made by the Iranian Football Federation or FIFA regarding a definitive withdrawal. Further updates are expected as the situation evolves.
What’s Next: The Iranian Football Federation is expected to release an official statement regarding their participation in the World Cup within the next two weeks. FIFA will also likely address the situation and clarify the tournament’s position on potential boycotts related to geopolitical conflicts.
