Iran's Sports Minister Suggests Nation Unfit to Participate in 2026 World Cup Amid Regional Tensions

Kathmandu. Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyaamali, has stated that Iran is in no condition to participate in the 2026 World Cup. This tournament, set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11, where the Iranian team was slated to play three group stage matches.

According to the schedule, Iran was set to play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles. Furthermore, a match against Egypt was scheduled for June 26 in Seattle.

However, doubts have arisen regarding Iran's participation following an aerial attack by the United States and Israel, which resulted in the assassination of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran had launched missile and drone strikes on military bases in Israel and other countries where American forces are stationed.

Earlier on Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned that US President Donald Trump had told him, "Iran is welcome to compete in this World Cup."

But, in an interview with IRIB Sports Network on Tuesday, Donyaamali stated, "Because this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we are in no situation whatsoever to participate in the World Cup."

He added, "Our players are not safe, and there is no condition to participate in the tournament." "In the last eight to nine months, two wars have been imposed upon us, and thousands of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we certainly have no possibility of participating."

Infantino had previously posted on Instagram stating that he had discussed preparations for the tournament with President Trump and talked about the current situation in Iran.

He had said, "Now more than ever, we all need a tournament like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together, and I thank the US President for his support, as this shows once again that football unites the world."

Mehdi Taj, head of the Football Federation of Iran, had also raised questions about the ability to participate in the World Cup. This statement came after six members of Iran's women's national team received 'humanitarian' visas from Australia citing security concerns.

The remaining Iranian players returned from Australia on Tuesday after being eliminated from the Asia Cup. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that seven people were granted asylum, but one woman later changed her mind and decided to return home.

Taj said, "Looking at the problems created for the women footballers, if this is the outlook for the World Cup, no sane mind would agree to send the team to America."

If Iran withdraws from its fourth consecutive World Cup, FIFA rules give the host the right to select a replacement team, but it is unclear which team that would be.

The most likely replacement team is expected to come from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), possibly Iraq (which might qualify through a play-off this month) or the UAE (which failed to reach the play-off). However, FIFA rules do not mandate that the replacement team must be from the same confederation.