Iran national team plans to boycott World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Iran’s sports minister announced that the team will not participate in this summer’s World Cup, citing the ongoing conflict between Israel and the United States. Iran is currently at war with the United States, creating uncertainty over its involvement in this summer’s games. The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 and will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran was placed in Group G along with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. All of Iran’s group stage matches will be held in American cities, with two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Additionally, if both teams finished second in their group, they would also be in line to play against the United States in the final tournament.
However, the country’s sports minister formally confirmed his intention to boycott the tournament, attacking President Donald Trump’s administration in the process. “Under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup, given that this corrupt regime (USA) assassinated our leader,” Ahmad Donyamali declared in a television interview, referring to the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei.
“Given the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars have been thrust upon us within eight or nine months and thousands of our people have been killed. Our children are not safe and fundamentally there are no conditions for such participation.”
“Given the malicious acts they have committed against Iran, they forced us into two wars over eight to nine months and killed and martyred thousands of our people. So we certainly cannot sustain such an existence.”
His comments contradict sentiments expressed by Western figures, including Gianni Infatino. “During the talks, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is of course welcome to participate in the tournament in the United States,” the FIFA chief said on Instagram.
“We all need events like the FIFA World Cup that bring people together now more than ever. We are truly grateful for the support of the President of the United States, as it shows once again that soccer brings the world together.”
FIFA CEO Heimo Silgi said: “Of course the World Cup will take place, right? The World Cup is too big and we hope everyone who qualifies can take part.”
President Donald Trump says he doesn’t care if Iran boycotts the US World Cup (Image: Getty)
But Trump made his feelings fully clear about a possible boycott to Politico earlier this month. “I think Iran is a country that has suffered a very bad defeat. They are running on fumes,” he said.
The war between the United States and Israel against Iran began on February 28 and has left more than 1,200 people dead and another 12,000 injured.
Donyamali’s comments follow those of Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, who hinted at a boycott on March 1. “After this attack (on Iran), we cannot expect to go into the World Cup with any hope. If the World Cup was like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to a place like this?”
If Iran withdraws from the World Cup, it could face disciplinary action from the FIF. Punishment could include suspension from future tournaments. No country has withdrawn from the World Cup since 1950, when France and India pulled out due to travel costs.
Under FIFA rules, a country that withdraws will be subject to heavy fines, depending on the withdrawal date. It is then referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which has the power to impose sporting sanctions.
This was supposed to be Iran’s seventh World Cup. However, Iranians are currently barred from entering the United States due to a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration last year. Athletes attending the World Cup or the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are exempt from this ruling.
