Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the country's sports minister citing the ongoing war with the United States and Israel The statement came as US President Donald Trump reversed his earlier position, stating he no longer believes it is "appropriate" for the Iranian team to travel to North America for their "own life and safety"
The announcements mark a significant escalation of the conflict's diplomatic fallout, which entered its 13th day on Thursday The war began after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and nations hosting US military bases Iranian forces have also reportedly struck US-owned oil tankers in the region
The Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, told state media that following the assassination of the country's leader, "under no circumstances" could the team participate President Trump’s comments, made on his Truth Social platform, walked back assurances he had given FIFA President Gianni Infantino just days earlier that Iran was "welcome to compete" While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly outlined terms for a potential de-escalation, the conflict continues to disrupt international affairs and has contributed to reports of a deepening global oil crisis FIFA has not yet issued a formal statement on Iran's potential withdrawal.
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