Iran will not compete in United States-hosted 2026 World Cup, sports minister says
Citing US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran declares it cannot compete.
Iran has declared a formal boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the recent military actions of host nation the United States. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the decision on state television, stating Iran 'under no circumstances can we participate' in the tournament following US and Israeli airstrikes nearly two weeks ago. Those strikes resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and have escalated into a broader regional conflict in the Gulf.
Donyamali explicitly linked the political and security situation to the sporting event, arguing that the conditions for safe participation do not exist. 'Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,' he said. The 2026 World Cup, set to be the first 48-team edition of the tournament, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran had previously qualified for the event, having secured a spot through Asia zone qualifying, including a 3-0 win over North Korea.
- Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced a formal boycott of the US-hosted 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The decision is a direct response to US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei two weeks prior.
- Donyamali cited safety concerns, stating 'our children are not safe,' removing Iran from the 48-team tournament scheduled for June-July 2026.
Why It Matters
This politically-motivated boycott marks a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions into global sports, impacting tournament dynamics and FIFA.