Iran has indicated it may boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite assurances from the United States that its national team would be safe during the competition.
The global football tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced the decision, citing rising tensions following the death of the country’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
According to Donyamali, Iran cannot participate in a tournament hosted partly by a country it accuses of being responsible for the killing of its leader.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” he said.
The world football governing body, FIFA, has not yet issued an official response to Iran’s position.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier stated that the Iranian national team would be welcomed at the tournament.
Infantino disclosed that he recently met with Donald J. Trump to discuss preparations for the competition and the situation surrounding Iran’s participation.
According to him, Trump assured that the Iranian team would be safe and allowed to compete when the tournament kicks off.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” Infantino said, stressing that football remains a powerful platform for unity across nations.
Iran’s potential withdrawal could create a significant diplomatic and sporting controversy, especially as the country had already secured qualification for the tournament.
The development once again underscores how geopolitical tensions can spill into international sports, raising questions about participation, diplomacy and the unifying role of global competitions like the World Cup.
Iran pulls out of 2026 World Cup over Khamenei killing
