Iran has announced that it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The country’s Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donjamali, confirmed the decision in a televised statement, citing recent political tensions involving the United States.
According to Goal.com, Donjamali said: “Since this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, we have no intention of participating in the World Cup.”
He also referred to what he described as hostile actions against Iran in recent months.
He said: “Two wars have been imposed on us in eight or nine months and several thousands of our citizens have been killed.”
Donjamali reiterated that Iran would not take part in the tournament.
He said: “We have absolutely no chance of participating.”
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The announcement comes despite earlier assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that the Iranian national team would be welcomed at the tournament.
Infantino wrote on Instagram after a meeting at the White House with United States President Donald Trump: “President Trump assured me that the Iranian national team is welcome at the World Cup.”
With Iran’s withdrawal, questions remain over which team could replace them at the tournament.
FIFA regulations allow the global football governing body to decide how to fill a vacant slot if a qualified team withdraws.
Article 6.7 of the FIFA regulations states: “If a participating member association withdraws and/or is excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA will decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take any measures it deems necessary.
“FIFA may decide to replace the participating association in question with another association.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will be hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico.
