TEHRAN, Iran — Iran has officially withdrawn from the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the country’s ongoing military conflict and political turmoil, prompting football’s global governing body to consider a replacement team.
Iran’s Ministry of Sports confirmed the decision on Wednesday, saying the national team would not participate in the tournament as the country grapples with a prolonged war that has also claimed the lives of senior government officials.
The World Cup is scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country could not realistically prepare for a global football tournament while facing a full-scale conflict.
According to Iranian authorities, the war has lasted for roughly eight to nine months, leading to thousands of deaths and major political upheaval.
“Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister told state television.
Iranian officials said it would be inappropriate for the national team to take part in an international sporting event while the country remains in crisis.
The withdrawal comes amid escalating tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States.
Recent airstrikes during the conflict reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a development that has further intensified the country’s political and military confrontation with Western powers.
Earlier, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, had indicated that assurances had been received from former U.S. President Donald Trump that the Iranian delegation would be able to enter the United States safely for the tournament.
However, Tehran ultimately ruled out travelling to the host country due to the deteriorating security situation.
Iran had been placed in Group G, where the team was scheduled to face Belgium national football team, Egypt national football team and New Zealand national football team.
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Following Iran’s withdrawal, the group now has an open slot. FIFA is expected to announce a replacement team in the coming weeks, with analysts suggesting the governing body may select another side from the Asian Football Confederation.
If confirmed, Iran’s withdrawal would mark one of the rarest occurrences in modern World Cup history, as it would be the first time a qualified national team has pulled out of the tournament due to an ongoing war affecting its participation.
The 2026 edition will also be the largest World Cup in history, expanding to 48 teams and featuring matches played across 16 host cities in North America.
FIFA has not yet issued a detailed statement on how the vacant slot will be filled.
