Iran Withdraws from 2026 FIFA World Cup Due to Rising Tensions with US

Kathmandu. Iran has announced that it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to increasing tensions with the United States. Iran's Sports Minister, Ahmad Dunyamali, stated that participation is impossible under current circumstances, alleging that the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a US attack. Speaking to state television, he said, "In a situation where America has killed our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances."

Since February 28, conflict has escalated between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. This conflict has affected not only the West Asian region but also the global energy supply chain. Minister Dunyamali stated that the necessary environment for World Cup participation does not exist, as the safety of the country's citizens and athletes cannot be guaranteed in the current situation. He also claimed that thousands of Iranian citizens have been killed due to the war in recent months.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11 and conclude with the final match on July 19. Iran's group stage matches are scheduled to take place in US cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle. Although FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that US President Donald Trump would welcome the Iranian team to the tournament, Mehdi Taj, President of the Iran Football Federation, said that Iran cannot look toward the World Cup with hope under the current circumstances.