Iran has officially withdrawn its national football team from the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the current geopolitical crisis involving the United States and Israel.
Speaking to state media in an interview, Iran’s Minister of Sport and Youth Ahmad Donyamali declared that the country cannot participate in the tournament following recent military attacks and political unrest that have afflicted Iran.
“We cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances,” Donyamali said when questioned about the recent attacks that, according to Iranian officials, resulted in the death of the country’s Supreme Leader.
The 2026 World Cup, or 2026 FIFA World Cup, is set to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11th until July 19th, 2026.
Iran had already qualified for the tournament having topped their Asian qualifying group in March 2025 and were placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
Despite Iran’s announcement, officials from FIFA have continued to pressure Iran to rethink its decision. The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, said that the Iranian national team is still welcome to take part in the competition.
Infantino said that President Trump had personally assured FIFA that Iran would be allowed to participate despite political circumstances affecting the world cup.
Iran’s football federation previously voiced concerns over their potential participation as it has found it very difficult to even prepare for or travel for the competition due to current security circumstances and the ongoing conflict.
Should Iran’s withdrawal be confirmed FIFA would be within their right to pick a replacement team. It is reported that both Iraq and UAE who narrowly missed out could both be in with a shout of replacing the spot.
