Iran has announced its withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the country’s ongoing military conflict with the United States and Israel as the primary reason for its decision.
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Doyanmali, confirmed that the national team will not participate in the tournament, which is scheduled to begin in less than three months.
According to the minister, the current security and political situation in the country makes it impossible for the team to compete in the global football event.
“Considering that this corrupt government has killed our leader, there are no conditions that would allow us to participate in the World Cup,” Doyanmali said in comments reported by Deutsche Presse-Agentur and cited by Spanish sports outlet MARCA.
Conflict escalates after February offensive
The announcement follows a major escalation in hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel reportedly launched a large-scale military operation targeting Iran’s military infrastructure.
The offensive reportedly included a “decapitation strike” in Tehran that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Since then, U.S. military operations under Operation Epic Fury have involved thousands of strikes on Iranian missile production facilities, naval assets and nuclear infrastructure.
Doyanmali said the conflict has caused significant casualties and placed the country under severe strain.
“Two wars have been forced upon us in the last eight or nine months and several thousand of our citizens have been killed. “Therefore, there is no possibility for us to participate under these circumstances.” - Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Doyanmali
The Iranian sports minister also suggested that global reactions might have been different if the World Cup was hosted in another country.
“If the host were another country, the international community would have already reacted and stripped it of its hosting rights,” he stated.
His remarks reflect growing tensions surrounding the geopolitical crisis and its broader implications for international sporting events.
FIFA to decide possible replacement
Iran had been drawn in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
Under Article 6 of the tournament regulations, FIFA has the authority to select a replacement if a qualified team withdraws or is excluded.
The regulations state that if a participating federation pulls out, “FIFA will decide at its sole discretion and take the measures it deems necessary,” which could include replacing the team with another qualified nation.
Should Iran formally confirm its withdrawal, FIFA is expected to determine which country could fill the vacant spot as preparations for the tournament continue.
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