TEHRAN: Iran has officially announced that it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to media reports, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that under the current circumstances, it is impossible for Iran to compete in the tournament in the United States. He cited the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader as a factor making participation in the U.S. unsafe and inappropriate.
Minister Donyamali emphasized that the safety of players and young athletes cannot be guaranteed, and given the prevailing situation, there is no justification for sending the national team to the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see teams from around the globe competing in North America, but Iran’s withdrawal marks a significant development ahead of the tournament.
