BREAKING: Iran Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Over U.S. Tensions

Published on March 11, 2026

Iran’s national football team will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced on Wednesday.

The landmark tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, had included Iran in Group G.

In a broadcast to state television, Donyamali said:

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”

He added, “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.”

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Iran’s withdrawal comes amid rising political and security tensions following military actions involving the United States and its allies. All three of Iran’s group fixtures had been scheduled to take place in U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle.

FIFA officials and Iran’s Football Federation have yet to comment on replacement plans or potential sanctions following the withdrawal.

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