Iran Withdraws from 2026 World Cup
Iran's Sports Minister announced the country's withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes and regional conflict.
Lauren Collins ·
Iran will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. This decision follows airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran nearly two weeks prior, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and escalated regional conflict.
The minister stated on state television that Iran cannot participate in the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, due to the "malicious actions" and "two wars" imposed on Iran over the past eight to nine months, leading to thousands of casualties. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.
Iran had been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with all three of its matches slated for U.S. venues in Los Angeles and Seattle. Iran was notably absent from a FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants held in Atlanta last week.