Khaberni - The Iranian Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed the withdrawal of his national team from participating in the 2026 World Cup scheduled for this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The United States and Israel have carried out airstrikes on Iran since February 28, resulting in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, while Iran retaliated by striking American bases in four Gulf countries.
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, earlier today on Wednesday via his Instagram account stated that American President Donald Trump had informed him during a meeting they held yesterday on Tuesday that the Iranian team "is certainly welcome to participate in the tournament in the United States," despite the ongoing war.
However, Donyamali said in a television interview with German news agency today, "Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we no longer have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup."
He added, "Due to the hostile actions taken against Iran, we were forced to engage in two wars within 8 or 9 months, and thousands of our citizens were killed. Therefore, we have no possibility to participate under these circumstances."
The Iranian Minister of Sports also mentioned that "if the host country had been different, the international community would surely have responded by revoking the hosting rights."
The Iranian team was among the first to qualify for the World Cup to be held between June 11 and July 18 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with the participation of 48 teams.
The Iranian team is scheduled to play its three group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in American cities.
On his part, the President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, also hinted at the possibility of boycotting the tournament, given the controversy that accompanied the women’s team during the Women's Asian Cup in Australia.
Six players from the Iranian national team decided to remain in Australia after receiving humanitarian visas from the Australian government. Trump had stated that he would grant them these visas if the Australian authorities did not do so.
Taj said, "Would any sane person send their national team to the United States if the World Cup becomes as politicized as it happened in Australia?"
