Iran’s government has indicated it may prevent its national football team from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, during the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, said on state television that security concerns could make it impossible for the national team to travel to the United States for the tournament. “Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran, they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Definitely, it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” Donyamali said. Iran had already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Under the tournament schedule, Iran is expected to open its campaign against the New Zealand national football team in Inglewood on June 15, before facing the Belgium national football team on June 21. The team is then scheduled to conclude its group-stage matches against the Egypt national football team in Seattle on June 26. Uncertainty about Iran’s participation increased after the United States and Israel reportedly launched airstrikes on Iran beginning February 28. President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, however, said former U.S. President Donald Trump had assured him that Iran would still be welcomed to compete in the tournament. Infantino said he discussed preparations for the World Cup with Trump during a meeting, including the situation surrounding Iran’s qualification. “We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino wrote on social media. “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.” He added that global sporting events such as the World Cup can help unite people even during periods of international conflict. Meanwhile, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran and a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, also acknowledged growing concerns about Iran’s participation. “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj said. If Iran ultimately withdraws from the tournament, reports suggest that either Iraq or the United Arab Emirates could potentially replace the country in Group G, although FIFA rules on replacements remain limited. In a related development, six members of Iran’s delegation to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia following their team’s elimination from the competition. According to Tony Burke, Australia’s immigration minister, five players initially sought asylum, while another player and a member of the support staff later indicated interest in remaining in the country. One of them has since returned to Iran. Concerns about the players’ safety arose after the team declined to sing the national anthem before their opening match against the South Korea women’s national football team, drawing criticism from supporters of the Iranian government.
Iran may boycott 2026 FIFA World Cup after US–Iran conflict escalation
