Iran Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Amid Security Concerns

Iran's Minister of Sport and Youth, Ahmad Doonyamali, has declared that the country will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11, 2026. The decision is attributed to recent security concerns, particularly following an attack that reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Doonyamali expressed that under the current conditions, it is not safe for Iran to participate, stating, "given corrupt government... no appropriate condition to participate." The Iranian football federation's head, Mehdi Taj, has also raised concerns regarding the safety of female players who were granted humanitarian visas to Australia. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump had previously assured Iran of a welcome at the tournament.

However, the Iranian football federation's participation is now in doubt, reminiscent of Iran's withdrawal from the 1982 World Cup qualifiers, which led to a ban from the 1986 tournament.