Iran has announced it will not participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The country’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, disclosed that the decision to boycott the global football tournament followed the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
According to Donyamali, Iran cannot take part in a tournament hosted by a country it accuses of being responsible for the leader’s death.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister said while announcing the government’s position.
The decision has yet to receive an official response from world football’s governing body, FIFA.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier indicated that efforts were being made to ensure Iran’s participation in the tournament.
In a social media post following a meeting with Donald Trump, Infantino said the American leader assured him that the Iranian national team would be safe if it travelled to the United States to compete.
Infantino explained that discussions with Trump focused on preparations for the tournament and the growing global excitement ahead of the competition, which is scheduled to kick off in about three months.
He noted that the US president reiterated that Iran’s team would be welcome to participate in matches, including fixtures expected to be played in Los Angeles.
The FIFA chief also stressed the importance of the tournament as a global unifying platform, stating that events like the World Cup are needed “now more than ever” to bring nations together.
