Iran may withdraw from participating in the 2026 World Cup due to a conflict with the United States
11 march 2026 в 20:13
The year 2026 is approaching, and among the countries expected to participate in the World Cup is Iran. However, the ongoing conflict between this country and the USA and Israel raises questions about Iran’s possible participation in the tournament.
Here’s what both the USA and Iran have said about the situation.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by three countries— the USA, Mexico, and Canada— marking the first tournament to be held in three countries simultaneously. The matches will take place in sixteen cities.
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, as well as against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that the country will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, blaming the USA for the ongoing conflict.
«Considering that this corrupt regime [the USA] killed our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances», - Donyamali said in an interview with state television, as reported by USA Today. «Our children are not safe, and, in principle, there are no conditions for participation… Given the malicious actions they have taken against Iran, they have imposed two wars on us in eight or nine months and killed thousands of our people. Therefore, we definitely cannot participate in this way».
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran is «welcome» at the World Cup, despite the tensions. However, Trump told Politico that he «doesn't care» whether Iran participates.
«I really don’t care», - the Republican said in March 2026. «I think Iran is a very badly affected country. They are on the verge»
Here’s what both the USA and Iran have said about the situation.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by three countries— the USA, Mexico, and Canada— marking the first tournament to be held in three countries simultaneously. The matches will take place in sixteen cities.
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, as well as against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that the country will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, blaming the USA for the ongoing conflict.
«Considering that this corrupt regime [the USA] killed our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances», - Donyamali said in an interview with state television, as reported by USA Today. «Our children are not safe, and, in principle, there are no conditions for participation… Given the malicious actions they have taken against Iran, they have imposed two wars on us in eight or nine months and killed thousands of our people. Therefore, we definitely cannot participate in this way».
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran is «welcome» at the World Cup, despite the tensions. However, Trump told Politico that he «doesn't care» whether Iran participates.
«I really don’t care», - the Republican said in March 2026. «I think Iran is a very badly affected country. They are on the verge»
© Kolganov Andrey
