Iran Pulls Out of 2026 FIFA World Cup Amid Tensions with United States

Iran has announced that it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing security concerns linked to its ongoing tensions with the United States, one of the tournament’s host nations.

Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed the decision, stating that the country’s national team would not be safe traveling to the United States for the competition.

According to him, the decision was influenced by recent conflicts between the two countries.

“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” he said.

Iran had been scheduled to play its group matches in Inglewood against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran’s participation had already been uncertain following airstrikes reportedly launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, previously said that Donald Trump had assured him Iran would be welcomed at the tournament.

Infantino noted that the U.S. president expressed support for Iran’s participation after the two met to discuss preparations for the global football competition.

According to Infantino, events like the World Cup are important because they help bring people together during periods of global tension, emphasizing the idea that football can unite the world. ⚽