Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, has announced that the Iranian national football team will not take part in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing increasing military tensions with the United States.
This announcement was made on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, during an interview on Iranian state television in Tehran. Donyamali stated that participation in a tournament partially hosted by the U.S. has become unfeasible following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran that reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and heightened regional tensions.
Iranian officials have expressed that security concerns and the ongoing conflict have created an environment where the safety of Iranian players cannot be assured. The government also contends that competing in a tournament co-hosted by a nation it accuses of aggression against Iran would be politically unacceptable.
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This decision comes despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s assurances that Donald Trump had indicated Iran would be welcome at the event.
If Iran officially withdraws, FIFA may choose another qualified nation to take its place in the global competition set for June–July 2026.
