Iran won’t take part in FIFA World Cup 2026, official says

Iran will not be taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the country’s Ahmad Donyamali, who serves as Minister of Sports and Youth.

The national team had been scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the tournament, which is set to take place across United States, Canada, and Mexico, beginning on 11 June. Iran was slated to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

The team’s participation has been uncertain since airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israel and countries hosting US military bases.

Earlier, FIFA president Gianni Infantino mentioned that US President Donald Trump had assured him that Iran would be “welcome to compete” in the upcoming tournament.