Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The decision was confirmed by Iran’s Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donyamali, who said the country cannot take part in a tournament partly hosted by the U.S. amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Speaking on state television, the minister stated that Iran has “no intention of participating” in the tournament following recent military developments involving the United States and Israel. According to him, the situation has created conditions that make participation impossible for the Iranian national team.
The announcement follows reports of major conflict in the region, including airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and caused significant civilian casualties. Iranian authorities say the attacks and the broader crisis make it unacceptable for the country to compete in a tournament hosted by the U.S.
Iran had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and was placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with matches scheduled to be played in cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle.
Despite the tensions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that the Iranian team would be welcome at the tournament, saying football should help unite nations even during political conflicts.
If Iran officially withdraws, FIFA will decide which country replaces them in the competition, with teams such as Iraq or the United Arab Emirates considered possible candidates.
The development creates fresh uncertainty around the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across North America.
If you want, I can also rewrite this in a stronger sports-news style (like Goal, ESPN or Sky Sports) with a more click-driven headline.
