Iran withdraws from 2026 World Cup: Conflict with US paralyzes sports

Iranian Minister of Sport and Youth Ahmad Donyamali stated that the Iranian national team will not participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup due to attacks carried out by the United States and the ongoing armed conflict. This decision was made three months before the planned start of the tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The minister emphasized that the current military situation makes it impossible for the national team to safely compete in international matches. This information triggered an immediate reaction from global football bodies and the host nations' authorities. The situation is described as critical for the tournament's schedule, in which Iran was to be one of the key participants from the Asian region.

US President Donald Trump addressed the issue of Iran's presence at the World Cup, stating that the country's participation would currently be inappropriate. The American leader suggested the Iranian federation withdraw from the trip, citing concern for the lives and safety of the players and coaching staff themselves. Trump noted that under the current geopolitical circumstances, he does not recommend a visit by the team from Tehran to North America. The Iranian side perceived these words as confrontational, further inflaming the already tense diplomatic relations between the countries. The US President referred to intelligence analyses regarding potential threats during the event.

„I think it is not appropriate for Iran to be in the World Cup. I advise them not to participate for their own safety and security” — Donald Trump via Reuters

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has begun analyzing available scenarios in light of the threat of Iran's withdrawal from the final tournament. The federation must consider whether another national team will be called up to fill the vacancy or whether the group structure will be changed shortly before the opening match. Simultaneously, Angola decided to cancel planned friendly matches with Iran and Jordan, which were to be the final stage of preparations for the championship. The decision by the African federation is a direct consequence of the escalation of the conflict and uncertainty regarding the status of the Iranian squad. Human rights organizations have appealed to FIFA to take action guaranteeing the inclusivity of the upcoming championship despite the difficult political situation.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first tournament in history with 48 national teams, which significantly complicates any schedule changes a few months before the start. Iran regularly participated in the recent World Cup editions, appearing at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. Previous cases of team exclusion or withdrawal from major events, such as Yugoslavia's suspension in 1992 before the European Championship, usually resulted from international sanctions or civil wars. The current conflict, referred to in the media as a war with Iran, presents organizers with an unprecedented logistical and reputational challenge.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to begin on June 11 and last until July 19, 2026. This tournament is set to be the largest event in football history, involving a record number of matches and locations. FIFA now faces the task of maintaining the sporting integrity of the competition in the face of one qualified team's withdrawal. Experts indicate that Iran's absence could affect the balance of power in the group where the team was scheduled to compete. The situation remains dynamic, and final decisions regarding the tournament lineup are expected in the coming days.

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