Iran may not participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the country’s sports minister.
Ahmad Donyamali said Iran currently does not have the conditions needed to send its national team to the tournament.
The World Cup will begin on 11 June and will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand national football team, Belgium national football team, and Egypt national football team in June.
However, political tensions have raised uncertainty about Iran’s participation.
Minister Cites Security Concerns
Donyamali said the country cannot guarantee the safety of its players.
He made the comments during an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
The minister referred to recent military strikes by the United States and Israel. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iran later launched missiles and drones toward Israel and other countries hosting US military bases.
Donyamali said the country has suffered major losses in recent conflicts and that participation in the tournament is currently not possible.
FIFA Still Expects Iran to Play
Despite the minister’s remarks, Gianni Infantino said Iran is still expected to take part in the tournament.
Infantino revealed that Donald Trump assured him Iran would be welcome to compete in the World Cup.
The FIFA president said global events like the World Cup can unite people during difficult times.
Concerns from Iran’s Football Federation
The head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, also expressed doubts about participation.
His concerns followed a situation involving Iran’s women’s national team.
Six players received humanitarian visas from Australia due to safety concerns while competing in the Asian Cup.
Australian officials confirmed that several members of the delegation sought asylum.
Taj warned that if similar issues affect the men’s team, sending players to the United States could become impossible.
Possible Replacement Team
If Iran withdraws from the tournament, FIFA will decide how to replace the team.
One possible option could be another nation from the Asian Football Confederation.
Potential candidates include Iraq national football team or United Arab Emirates national football team.
However, FIFA rules allow the organization to select a replacement from any confederation.
Decision Still Uncertain
For now, FIFA has not changed Iran’s scheduled matches.
Experts say it may be too early to confirm whether Iran will withdraw.
The final decision will likely depend on both political developments and upcoming qualification play-off results.
