Iran Confirms Withdrawal from Summer World Cup Amid U.S. Conflict

Mar 12, 2026, 2:58 AM

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Iran will not participate in this summer's World Cup, as confirmed by the country's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, on Wednesday. This announcement comes just hours after FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed he had received assurances from US President Donald Trump that Iran would be welcome at the tournament, which is set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Donyamali's statement reflects the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, which escalated with recent military actions that have resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He stated, "Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.” He emphasized the lack of safety for Iranian players and the dire conditions that led to this decision.

Iran's soccer federation had previously expressed doubts about participating in the World Cup, particularly following the US airstrikes. The Iranian team had qualified for the tournament months ago, but the political climate has cast a shadow over its participation. Donyamali's remarks came in the wake of a statement from Infantino, who noted that Trump reiterated Iran's welcome at the tournament during their discussions.

The World Cup is scheduled to begin in under 100 days, and Iran was placed in Group G, where they were set to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The matches were planned to take place in the US, specifically in locations like Los Angeles and Seattle.

Donyamali’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within Iranian leadership regarding the US and its actions. He stated, "Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people." He also highlighted that the conditions for participating in such an international event are fundamentally absent.

FIFA regulations indicate that if Iran formally withdraws, the organization has the discretion to select a replacement team for the tournament. Historically, no country has withdrawn from the World Cup after qualifying since 1950. The potential withdrawal could lead to significant consequences for Iran, including fines and possible sanctions from FIFA.

The geopolitical tensions surrounding the World Cup have also raised questions about the broader implications for international relations and the spirit of the tournament. Infantino had previously expressed hope that the World Cup would serve as an opportunity to unite people, stating, "We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever.".

In summary, Iran's withdrawal from the World Cup not only marks a significant moment in sports history but also underscores the impact of international conflict on global events. As tensions continue to unfold, the ramifications of this decision will likely resonate beyond the realm of sports, reflecting the intertwined nature of politics and global culture.

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