Iran’s sports minister has announced that the country will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing security concerns after recent military attacks involving the United States and Israel.
Background of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June 2026 to 19 July 2026 and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup in history.
Iran successfully qualified for the tournament on 25 March 2025 after drawing 2–2 with Uzbekistan during the Asian qualifiers. Following the official draw, Iran was placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
The Iranian team was scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the United States:
- 15 June 2026: Iran vs New Zealand in Los Angeles (Inglewood)
- 21 June 2026: Iran vs Belgium in Los Angeles
- 26 June 2026: Iran vs Egypt in Seattle
Minister Announces Possible Withdrawal
On 11 March 2026, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that the national team cannot participate in the tournament under the current circumstances.
The minister made the statement during an interview broadcast on Iranian state television, saying that officials cannot guarantee the team’s safety if they travel to the United States.
According to Donyamali, recent military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran created conditions that make participation impossible. The strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered wider regional conflict.
More than 1,300 Iranian civilians have reportedly died since the air strikes began on 28 February 2026, further intensifying tensions in the region.
Safety Concerns for Players
Iranian officials argue that they cannot guarantee the safety of players, staff, and supporters if the team travels to a tournament partly hosted in the United States.
Donyamali said the conflict and security situation have made participation unrealistic.
“Under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” he said.
He added that the ongoing conflict has forced Iran into multiple wars in recent months and resulted in thousands of casualties.
FIFA Monitoring the Situation
Despite the minister’s comments, Iran has not officially withdrawn from the tournament yet. FIFA has stated that it still expects Iran to participate and continues to monitor the situation.
FIFA regulations also warn that teams withdrawing from the tournament could face financial penalties and possible sporting sanctions, including suspension from future competitions.
If Iran ultimately decides not to play, teams such as Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, which narrowly missed qualification, could potentially replace them in the tournament.
Political Tensions Affect Global Football
Iran’s potential absence highlights how international political tensions can impact major sporting events. With the tournament only months away, organizers and football authorities are closely watching developments.
For now, the final decision will depend on the Iranian government, the Iranian Football Federation, and FIFA as the situation in the region continues to evolve.
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