Iranian Sports Minister Hints at 2026 World Cup Withdrawal: "We Have No Possibility to Participate Under These Circumstances"

Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that the national team is unable to participate in the 2026 World Cup due to the ongoing war. In a television interview, the minister indicated that current circumstances do not allow the Iranian team to take part in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Donyamali said, "Given that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, we cannot under any circumstances participate in the World Cup."

He added, "Two wars have been imposed on us over eight or nine months, during which thousands of people were killed, and therefore we have no possibility to participate under these circumstances."

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously confirmed via his Instagram account that US President Donald Trump had informed him that the Iranian national team was still "definitely welcome" to participate in the World Cup.