2026 World Cup: Iran withdraws from participation following US attacks on its soil

"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the 2026 World Cup," said Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's Minister of Sport, to the Iranian state television regarding his country's participation in the competition co-hosted by the United States (with Canada and Mexico), on 11/03/2026.

The US and Israeli bombings of Iranian territory, carried out since 28/02/2026, have resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. These attacks were followed by an Iranian military response targeting several Middle Eastern countries (Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan).

Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, "reiterated that the Iranian team was, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States" during a meeting with Gianni Infantino on 11/03, according to the FIFA president in an Instagram post published on the same day, a few hours before the announcement by the Iranian Ministry of Sport. "I sincerely thank the President of the United States for…