Iran Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Over Conflict with US
Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to ongoing conflict with the United States and security concerns following the death of the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday by Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, who said the current situation makes it impossible for the Iran national football team to participate in a tournament partly hosted by the United States.
The expanded 48‑team World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran had already qualified and were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
FIFA has yet to confirm the withdrawal officially or announce a replacement team.