Iran’s sports minister says football team will not play at 2026 World Cup
Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali announced that the national football team will not compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing security concerns following recent U.S. airstrikes. The decision follows the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and a broader geopolitical conflict involving the United S…
The Iranian national football team is set to be excluded from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a statement by the country’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali. In a televised interview, Donyamali declared that Iran would not participate “under no circumstances,” citing security concerns after the United States launched airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and sparked retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
Context: The 2026 World Cup and Iran’s Qualification
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran secured a spot in the tournament during the final qualification rounds, drawing a group that includes Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All of Iran’s Group G matches are scheduled to take place in the United States, with two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
FIFA’s statutes generally prohibit member associations from withdrawing from competitions once a draw has been made. A unilateral withdrawal could trigger fines ranging from €275,000 to €555,000 and potential future bans, as outlined in the tournament regulations. No country has pulled out of a World Cup after the draw since France and India in 1950.
Political Backdrop: U.S. Airstrikes and Regional Escalation
Ten days before the minister’s announcement, the United States, with support from Israel, carried out a series of airstrikes on Iranian targets. These strikes resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, and led to retaliatory attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states. The violence intensified an already fragile geopolitical situation in the region.
Following the airstrikes, the president of Iran’s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, expressed uncertainty about the national team’s future in the World Cup, stating that the country could not look forward to the tournament with hope. Taj clarified that the final decision would rest with the government.
Statements from FIFA and U.S. Officials
FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed to have received assurances from former U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran would be welcomed to compete in the tournament. Infantino met Trump at the White House on Tuesday, and later discussed the “status of preparations” for the World Cup with the former president. Trump reportedly told Politico that he did not care whether Iran took part.
Infantino posted on Instagram that the Iranian team was “welcome to compete” in the United States, emphasizing football’s role in uniting people. However, the political climate and the recent conflict have complicated the practicalities of Iran’s participation.
Implications for Iran’s Football Federation
Iran’s withdrawal would be unprecedented in the modern era of the World Cup. The country’s Football Federation would face scrutiny from FIFA, and the decision could affect future eligibility for international tournaments. Iran was the only team that did not attend a FIFA planning summit for World Cup teams held in Atlanta last week, underscoring the isolation of its football administration amid the conflict.
While the sports minister’s statement reflects security concerns, it also signals a broader stance against the United States, which has been a co-host of the 2026 tournament. The decision may influence diplomatic relations and the perception of Iran’s willingness to engage in international sporting events.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Iran has not formally submitted a withdrawal to FIFA. The federation’s next steps will determine whether the country faces sanctions or is allowed to participate under special circumstances. FIFA’s disciplinary committee will likely review the situation, but the political context may lead to a negotiated resolution or a formal ban.
The international community watches closely as the situation evolves. The outcome will have implications for the 2026 World Cup’s schedule, the safety of players and staff, and the broader diplomatic relationship between Iran and the United States.
In the meantime, fans and officials alike await official confirmation from FIFA and the Iranian Football Federation regarding the team’s status for the upcoming tournament.
Why it matters
Iran’s withdrawal would set a new precedent for national teams withdrawing from a World Cup, potentially reshaping FIFA’s disciplinary framework and influencing international sports diplomacy during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
Key points
- Iran’s sports minister ruled out participation in 2026 World Cup
- U.S. airstrikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, sparking retaliation
- FIFA’s regulations penalize unilateral withdrawal, but political context complicates matters
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed U.S. assurances for Iran’s participation
- Iran is the only team absent from recent FIFA planning summit
- Outcome will affect future tournament eligibility and diplomatic relations
Frequently asked questions
Can Iran still participate in the 2026 World Cup?
Iran has not formally withdrawn, but the sports minister’s statement indicates that participation is unlikely under current security concerns.
What penalties does FIFA impose for withdrawing?
FIFA can fine between €275,000 and €555,000 and may impose future bans if a team withdraws before the tournament begins.
Has any country ever withdrawn after the draw?
No country has withdrawn after the draw since France and India in 1950.
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