Iran Doubt World Cup Participation After Rising Conflict

Iran Minister Says Country Will Not Play in 2026 World Cup

Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been thrown into doubt after the country’s sports minister stated the national team may not take part in the tournament.

Ahmad Donyamali said Iran does not currently have the conditions required to safely compete in the tournament scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Security Concerns After Escalating Conflict

The statement follows a major escalation in tensions after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, reportedly killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran later responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and other locations hosting US military bases.

Speaking to Iranian state media, Donyamali said:

“Under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup.”

He added that security concerns for the players were the main reason behind the possible withdrawal.

“Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist.”

FIFA Still Expects Iran to Compete

Despite the minister’s comments, FIFA has not changed its position.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Iran is still expected to take part in the tournament.

Infantino revealed that Donald Trump had assured him the Iranian team would be welcome in the United States during the competition.

“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together,” Infantino said.

Iran’s Scheduled World Cup Matches

Iran have already been drawn into a group where they are scheduled to face:

• New Zealand national football team – Los Angeles (15 June)
• Belgium national football team – Los Angeles (21 June)
• Egypt national football team – Seattle (26 June)

The tournament will begin on 11 June 2026.

Iranian Federation Also Raises Concerns

Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, has also questioned whether participation would be possible.

His concerns follow a situation involving Iran’s women’s national team during the Asian Cup, where several players requested humanitarian visas in Australia due to safety fears.

Possible Replacement If Iran Withdraws

If Iran ultimately withdraws, FIFA regulations allow the governing body to select a replacement team.

Possible candidates could include teams from the Asian Football Confederation, such as:

• Iraq national football team
• United Arab Emirates national football team

However, FIFA rules also allow replacements from other confederations if required.

Decision Still Uncertain

For now, Iran’s participation remains uncertain.

Although the sports minister has expressed strong opposition to competing, the final decision rests with the Iranian football federation.

FIFA is expected to wait until qualification play-offs conclude and the geopolitical situation becomes clearer before making any official ruling.