Iran signals possible withdrawal from 2026 World Cup

Iran has indicated it may refuse to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite having already qualified for the tournament.

The statement was made by Iran’s minister of sport, Ahmad Donyamali, who said the national team could withdraw from the competition because the event will be partly hosted in the United States.

His remarks come amid rising political tensions between the two countries.

Speaking on state television, Donyamali said Iran could not take part in a tournament hosted by a country it accuses of carrying out military attacks against it.

According to his comments, the situation escalated after several U.S. air strikes were launched against Iran since late February.

One of those strikes reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. 

Iranian officials have described the actions as acts of aggression that have led to widespread casualties.

Donyamali said the circumstances make it impossible for the national team to participate in the global football competition.

He argued that Iran’s people had suffered greatly from the conflict and that thousands had been killed over months of escalating violence.

Under such conditions, he said, sending the national team to compete in a tournament partly organized by the United States would be unacceptable.

The development is notable because Iran had already secured qualification for the tournament after finishing at the top of its Asian qualifying group.

The team, coached by Amir Ghalenoei, had been drawn into Group G of the World Cup alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

The group-stage matches involving Iran were scheduled to take place in cities including locations in California and Seattle.

Iran’s stance contrasts sharply with comments made earlier by Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA.

Only hours before Donyamali’s statement, Infantino had suggested that Iran’s team would still be welcomed to compete in the tournament despite the ongoing political tensions.

Infantino said he had recently met with U.S. president Donald Trump to discuss preparations for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In a message shared on social media, Infantino said the American president confirmed that the Iranian national team would be allowed to participate in the tournament.

According to Infantino, Trump reiterated during their conversation that Iran would be welcome in the United States for the competition.

The FIFA president also emphasized the broader role of football in bringing people together during times of political tension and conflict.

Infantino said the World Cup represents an opportunity to unite nations and communities around the world.

He added that global sporting events can help promote dialogue and understanding even when political relations between countries are strained.

Trump himself had previously commented publicly on the issue, appearing less concerned about whether Iran participates.

The U.S. president said he did not see Iran as a major factor in the situation and described the country as weakened by ongoing conflicts.

The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation raises questions about whether the team will ultimately compete in the 2026 World Cup if the current political tensions continue.

While FIFA has maintained that the tournament should remain open to qualified teams, Iran’s leadership has indicated that political and security concerns could override sporting considerations.