Iran has announced it will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the ongoing conflict with the United States and rising security concerns following the death of the country’s supreme leader.

The decision was confirmed by Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, during an appearance on state television on Wednesday.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.

The expanded 48-team tournament is scheduled to be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Iran had already secured qualification and were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

The minister stressed that the safety of Iranian players and citizens could not be guaranteed under the current geopolitical climate.

“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Donyamali added.

“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”

The conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel escalated on February 28 after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The war has since claimed more than 1,200 lives and left over 12,000 people wounded in less than two weeks.

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