TEHRAN-(MaraviPost)-Iran has announced that it will not participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing escalating political and security tensions with the United States.
The announcement was made by Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, who said the current situation makes it impossible for the country to take part in the global football tournament.
Donyamali explained that the relationship between Iran and the United States has deteriorated significantly in recent months, making participation in a tournament partially hosted on American soil unacceptable for his government.
The minister claimed that recent events, including violent conflict and political hostility, have created conditions that do not allow Iran to safely participate in the competition.
In a strongly worded statement, Donyamali accused the United States of being responsible for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, describing the American government as “corrupt.”
He stated that under such circumstances, Iran cannot consider taking part in an international sporting event hosted by a country it currently regards as an enemy.
The minister also pointed to ongoing conflicts that he said have heavily affected Iran and its citizens.
According to him, the country has faced two wars within the past eight or nine months, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people.
He said the nation is still mourning its losses and focusing on national security rather than international sporting events.
Iran had previously qualified for the 2026 World Cup and was expected to compete against several strong teams during the tournament.
The competition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the event will be organized by three countries.
Football’s global governing body, FIFA, has not yet confirmed Iran’s withdrawal from the tournament.