Iran’s involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is uncertain this week, as the sports minister suggested withdrawing the men’s soccer team from the tournament primarily set to take place in the United States.
Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Sports Minister, stated on state television that participation has become “impossible” following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei during a US-Israel military operation that escalated on February 28.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his stance on Iran’s World Cup fate, mentioning that while he would “welcome” the Iranian men’s national team to play in the U.S. after they qualify, he also indicated it might not be entirely “appropriate.”
“Although we would like to see the Iranian team at the World Cup, considering the current circumstances, I’m not sure it’s a safe situation for them,” Trump remarked in a recent post.
Iran is set to compete in the tournament starting June 11, facing teams like New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and wrapping up group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The event, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, runs until July 19.
Last week, Trump mentioned he wouldn’t mind if Iran participated in the event, signaling a casual detachment to the situation. Furthermore, FIFA President Gianni Infantino later affirmed that Trump had conveyed multiple times that the Iranian team is welcomed at the World Cup.
Infantino shared insights from his discussions with Trump regarding the tournament preparations and excitement levels leading up to it, confirming that Iran has met all requirements for participation. They also touched on the ongoing situation in Iran.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical turmoil has also cast doubts over the Iranian women’s national team. Reports indicated that five players were granted asylum in Australia after there were concerns over their safety amid the outbreak of conflict.
In light of the crisis, the Iranian women’s team faced scrutiny—particularly when some players did not sing the national anthem before a match against South Korea on March 2, which led to considerable media coverage in Australia.
