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Iran threatens to withdraw from 2026 World Cup
Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced Tuesday that the country may not participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing safety concerns following recent military strikes between Iran and the United States.
Minister cites unsafe conditions for athletes
In an interview with IRIB Sports Network, Donyamali stated that Iran lacks "appropriate conditions" to compete in the tournament, which begins June 11 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He linked the decision to the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and ongoing conflicts.
"Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup. Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist."
Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth
Donyamali added that two wars over the past nine months have resulted in thousands of Iranian deaths, making participation impossible.
FIFA and U.S. officials urge Iran to compete
FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump assured him Iran remains "welcome to compete" in the tournament. Infantino met with Trump to discuss World Cup preparations and emphasized football's role in uniting nations.
"We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world."
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
Iran's football federation raises concerns
Mehdi Taj, head of Iran's Football Federation, questioned the team's ability to participate after six members of Iran's women's national team received humanitarian visas from Australia due to safety fears. The players left Australia on Tuesday following their elimination from the Asian Cup.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed seven individuals were granted asylum, though one later chose to return to Iran. Taj suggested that if conditions for women's players were unsafe, sending the men's team to the U.S. would be irresponsible.
Potential replacements and FIFA's stance
If Iran withdraws, FIFA could select a replacement team, though it is unclear who would take their place. Iraq or the UAE, both from the Asian Football Confederation, are potential candidates. However, FIFA rules do not require replacements to come from the same confederation.
Despite Donyamali's statements, FIFA maintains that Iran is still scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran holds the final authority on participation, not the sports minister.
Historical precedent and next steps
Iran previously refused to play Kuwait during 1982 World Cup qualifiers, resulting in their exclusion from the tournament and a subsequent ban from the 1986 World Cup. FIFA is likely to wait until the end of this month, when playoff matches will finalize the list of qualified teams, before making any decisions.
The evolving conflict between the U.S., Iran, and Israel adds uncertainty. For now, FIFA and tournament organizers continue to prepare as if Iran will participate, though the situation remains fluid.
