Iran’s Participation in FIFA World Cup Uncertain

Iran has publicly declared that it will not take part in the FIFA World Cup after the United States removed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Sports Minister, emphasized this decision during a state television interview. He stated, “We cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances because we have assassinated our leader,” referring to what he described as a corrupt system orchestrated by the U.S.

The World Cup is set to kick off in June or July, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran’s group stage matches slated for American cities. The Iranian team was scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, followed by a game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Donyamali expressed deep concerns over the impact of recent conflicts on Iran, citing that thousands of citizens have died as a result of what he described as “malicious measures” against the country. He conveyed, “Therefore, there is absolutely no possibility of us participating in this way.”

This announcement marks the first time an Iranian official has addressed the nation’s participation in a global soccer event following attacks launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Previously, the president of Iran’s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, had voiced skepticism regarding the team’s chances but stopped short of declaring a boycott.

Last week, Donyamali’s remarks followed FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s claims that he had assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s welcome at the tournament. Infantino noted in a BBC statement that they discussed the Iranian team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the welcoming stance from President Trump about Iranian teams participating in U.S. events.