Iran Withdraws from 2026 FIFA World Cup Citing Safety

Iran has officially announced its withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ahmad Donyamali, the Iranian Minister of Sport and Youth, citing unsafe conditions as the primary reason. Iran was scheduled to play three group matches in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11, 2026.

The matches included games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Donyamali expressed concerns over the safety of participants, referencing the ongoing military actions and the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He stated that the conditions for participation are not appropriate, as the country has faced significant turmoil over the past eight to nine months due to wars imposed by the U.S., resulting in thousands of casualties. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously welcomed Iran's participation, but Donyamali emphasized that under the current circumstances, participation is impossible.