Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has announced that Iran will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The minister said the national team cannot take part in a tournament partly hosted in the United States amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Iran had already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Asian qualification process organized by the Asian Football Confederation.
The announcement now raises concerns about Iran’s participation in the expanded 48-team tournament scheduled from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Iran Pulls Out of 2026 World Cup
Speaking to Iranian media, Iranian Minister of Sport and Youth Ahmad Donyamali stated that Iran’s football team cannot travel to or compete in the United States under the current political circumstances.
Also Read: Ex-FIFA Boss Backs Fan Boycott of US World Cup Over Trump’s Policies
Donyamali emphasized that the decision is based on the ongoing diplomatic and security tensions between Iran and the United States.
According to the minister, the situation makes it impossible for Iranian players and officials to participate in a global tournament that will be staged on American soil.
Iran’s Participation in the World Cup
Iran is one of Asia’s most consistent representatives at the global football competition.
The Iranian national team, commonly known as Team Melli, has participated in multiple editions of the FIFA World Cup in recent decades.
The country has now played in 6 FIFA World Cup tournaments, with its latest appearance in 2022. They have participated in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Ahmad Donyamali’s statement indicates that the government’s position may prevent the team from traveling to the United States for matches associated with the tournament.
If the decision stands, it could affect Iran’s place in the competition despite the team securing a spot.
FIFA to confirm the next steps
Global football governing body FIFA has not yet issued a final ruling on Iran’s participation following the announcement.
The organization oversees the FIFA World Cup and is responsible for determining how to handle any withdrawal by a qualified team.
Under FIFA regulations, the governing body has the authority to decide whether a withdrawing nation can be replaced by another team.
Also Read: U.S. Opens Visa Applications for Visitors Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 – How to Apply
Trump Offers Asylum for Iranian Women’s Football
During the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, members of the Iranian team reportedly feared returning home amid growing political tensions.
According to reports, some players declined to sing Iran’s national anthem during a match.
Trump urged the Australian government to offer asylum to the players, warning that they could face serious punishment if they returned to Iran. He also said the United States would be willing to take them if Australia refused to provide protection.
“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” stated Trump in Truth Social.
Following the appeal, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that five members of the team had been granted humanitarian visas and moved to secure locations.
