Iran has officially withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following escalating tensions in the Middle East and the reported killing of its Supreme Leader.
The country’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed the decision on Wednesday, stating that Iran will not participate in the global football tournament scheduled for later this year.
According to Donyamali, the withdrawal was prompted by recent attacks allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel, which he claimed led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The development has further intensified the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Iran reportedly retaliating by launching attacks on US military bases across the region.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico between June and July.
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Iran had earlier been scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21 respectively, before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
However, Donyamali insisted that Iran would not travel to the United States for the tournament, stressing that there was “no possibility” of the national team taking part under the current circumstances.
“Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup,” the sports minister said during a televised interview.