WASHINGTON D.C. – Iran will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decision stemming from the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a statement from Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali. The minister cited “wicked attacks” by the United States as the cause of Khamenei’s death and the reason for the national team’s withdrawal from the tournament, scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Donyamali told Iranian state television that the conditions for participation are simply not present given the current geopolitical climate. “Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” he said, as reported by Reuters. The announcement throws the upcoming tournament into further uncertainty, already marked by heightened global tensions.
The 2026 World Cup is slated to run from June 11 to July 19, and will feature an expanded field of 48 teams. Iran had been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Notably, Iran’s group stage matches were to be played in the United States, specifically in California and Seattle, a factor Donyamali cited as contributing to safety concerns for the Iranian team.
This decision follows the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28th. Khamenei served as the second Supreme Leader of Iran from 1989 until his death in 2026, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini. His passing marks a significant moment in Iranian history and has dramatically escalated tensions with the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the situation, stating he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly reiterated that the Iranian team would be “welcome to compete” in the tournament. “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World,” Infantino wrote on Instagram. However, despite Trump’s stated welcome, Iran’s government has deemed participation untenable.
The move comes after a period of escalating conflict between the West and Iran. Donyamali emphasized the perceived threat to Iranian players, stating, “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.” He further accused the U.S. Of inflicting significant casualties on the Iranian people.
The withdrawal raises logistical questions for FIFA, including potential adjustments to the tournament schedule and the possibility of a replacement team. FIFA has not yet released a statement addressing these concerns. The organization faces a delicate balancing act, attempting to maintain the integrity of the tournament while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
The 2026 World Cup was already poised to be a landmark event, being the first to feature 48 teams and spread across three nations. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to an event that was intended to showcase international unity through sport. The tournament is scheduled to initiate at Mexico City Stadium on June 11th and conclude with the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19th.
The decision by Iran underscores the profound impact of political events on the world of sports. While FIFA has long promoted the idea of football as a unifying force, the current situation demonstrates the limitations of that ideal in the face of deep-seated geopolitical conflict. The coming months will be crucial as FIFA and the host nations work to address the challenges posed by Iran’s withdrawal and ensure the successful staging of the 2026 World Cup.
The next step for FIFA is to formally address Iran’s withdrawal and determine the process for potentially replacing them in the tournament. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Worth a look
