Iran pulls out of World Cup amid ongoing conflict with US
Iran will not participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, the nation’s sports minister has confirmed, citing security concerns tied to the ongoing conflict with the host country, the United States.
Iran was expected to compete in the tournament scheduled to take place across North America in June. However, Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the national team’s players would not be safe traveling to the U.S.
“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” he said.
Iran had been scheduled to play in Inglewood against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group-stage matches against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s participation had already been uncertain following airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28.
The development comes after Gianni Infantino revealed that Donald Trump had assured him Iran would be welcome at the tournament.
Trump had earlier said he “really didn’t care” whether Iran played in the competition. However, Infantino said the U.S. leader later indicated support for Iran’s participation following a meeting between the two men.
“This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days,” Infantino posted.
“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World.”
A White House official, granted anonymity to discuss private conversations, also confirmed Trump’s message to Infantino regarding Iran’s participation, according to The Associated Press.