Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced Wednesday that the Iranian national football team will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite having already qualified for the tournament.
Speaking to Iranian state television, Donyamali said the decision comes amid the current crisis in the country and recent regional developments. “Given the killing of our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances,” he said.
He added that the country currently lacks the basic conditions required for international participation. “Our children are not safe, and the necessary foundations for participation do not exist,” he said.
Donyamali also accused foreign powers of escalating tensions with Iran, stating that the country has been forced into multiple conflicts in recent months. “Because of the actions taken against Iran, two wars have been imposed on us within eight or nine months. Under such circumstances, participation is impossible,” he said.
The announcement came a day after US President Donald Trump said Iran would be welcome to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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