Iran says country can't take part in FIFA World Cup 2026 because of U.S. attacks
The Hindu
Iran withdraws from FIFA World Cup 2026 due to U.S. attacks, citing player safety concerns amid ongoing tensions.
Iran's sports and youth minister said it's “not possible” for the country to take part in the World Cup after the United States killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in its ongoing war.
Iran was expected to take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America in June, but Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country's soccer team players are not safe in the U.S., according to a video of the interview posted on Tuesday (March 10, 2026).
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“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it's not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” he said.
Iran is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The U.S. is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
FIFA said Tuesday night (March 10, 2026) that it anticipates Iran's national team will be allowed to come to the United States.
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