Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the ongoing military tensions in the Middle East.
The country’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed the matter, according to German press agency dpa.
The tournament, scheduled from 11 June to 19 July, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran had been drawn into Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with all group-stage matches in the US.
Iranian officials were also absent from last week’s planning summit for World Cup participants held in Atlanta.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously said that US President Donald Trump had assured Iran that its national team would be welcome to compete in the tournament. However, the escalating military strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian targets have prompted Tehran to withdraw, citing safety and security concerns for players and staff.
The decision marks a significant setback for Iran’s football programme, which had been preparing for its World Cup campaign amid growing regional instability.
