Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced on Wednesday that Iran would not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made the statement during an interview on state television.
Donyamali cited recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel as the main reason. Those strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali told state television.
He added more details about the risks. “Our children are not safe, and fundamentally such conditions for participation do not exist,” Donyamali explained. “Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people.”
The announcement surprised fans because Iran had already qualified for the tournament. The event is set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, Donyamali stressed that safety concerns left no room for travel.
Moreover the minister pointed to the ongoing tensions with the host nation. He described the United States as a corrupt regime that created unsafe conditions for Iranian players and families.
Iran’s national team had prepared for group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. Nevertheless, Donyamali made clear that the team would stay home. Officials offered no timeline for any future review of the decision.
The statement came hours after FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed the United States would welcome the Iranian squad. Still, Donyamali’s words ended any chance of participation.
