The Iranian sports minister announced on Wednesday that Iran will not be participating in the 2026 World Cup due to recent airstrikes on the country by the United States and Israel.
Ahmad Donyamali stated in an interview with Iranian state television, “Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances.”
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The airstrikes began on February 28, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has since been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Iran was scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles in June, against New Zealand and Belgium, followed by their final group stage match against Egypt in Seattle.
However, their participation became uncertain after the onset of hostilities.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed on social media that U.S. President Donald Trump had assured him that Iran would be “welcome” to compete in the tournament.
Trump previously stated he “really didn’t care” if Iran participated, but Infantino affirmed that Trump expressed support for their inclusion after a meeting.
Infantino shared, “This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, as we are set to kick off in just 93 days. We also addressed the current situation in Iran and confirmed that the Iranian team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.” He added, “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to unite people now more than ever, and I am grateful to the President for his support, which underscores the unifying power of football.”
Despite this, Iranian officials had already voiced uncertainties about the team’s participation in the World Cup. Mehdi Taj, a top soccer official and vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, said last week, “After this attack, we cannot expect to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”
The implications of a potential Iranian withdrawal from the tournament are unclear, but it is possible that Iraq or the UAE could take their place in Group G.
Meanwhile, six members of Iran’s delegation have been granted humanitarian visas following the team’s exit from the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Initially, five players sought asylum, and Australia’s home affairs minister Tony Burke confirmed that a further player and a support staff member also wished to remain in Australia. One individual later decided to return to Iran.
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the team upon their return after players chose not to sing the national anthem prior to their first match against South Korea in the Asian Cup, which drew criticism from supporters of the Iranian regime. The team did sing and salute during their subsequent group matches.
Trump previously called for Australia to grant asylum to the entire Iranian team, stating that the U.S. would do so if Australia did not.
PA contributed to this report.