Iran’s Minister of Sport announced the national team will boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing regional conflict and the assassination of the country’s leader.
Iran has officially withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup following an escalation of Middle East tensions.
Sport Minister Ahmad Donjamali announced the boycott on television, citing the impossibility of competing in the United States after the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Donjamali stated: “Since this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, we have no intention of participating in the World Cup.”
He concluded: “We have absolutely no chance of participating.”
The withdrawal presents a significant challenge for FIFA, despite President Donald Trump’s assurances of the team’s safety.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted on Instagram: “President Trump assured me that the Iranian national team is welcome at the World Cup.”
Under FIFA Article 6.7, the governing body holds “sole discretion” to select a replacement, with potential candidates ranging from AFC members like Iraq to high-profile nations like Italy.
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