Iran will exit the FIFA World Cup 2026

by Alaina Coats

March 11, 2026

Iran will withdraw from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup tournament amid its war between the United States and Israel.

The Iranian Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali told Iranian state television on Wednesday, "It's not possible for us to take part in the World Cup. "Our children are not safe, and conditions for participating do not exist," he said.

Over 1,300 Iranians have been killed in the U.S.-Israeli military strikes since the war began on Feb 28. Those killed reportedly include the country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei who had led Iran since 1989, as well as more than 150 elementary schoolgirls.

Donyamali's anouncement comes one day after President Donald Trump welcomed the Iranian soccer team to compete in the U.S.-hosted tournament.

"Considering that t his corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Donyamali told reporters.

Iran had been scheduled to compete against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21 and against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Forty-eight international teams are expected compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place June 11 to July 19, 2026. The games will be hosted by three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

FIFA flag/WikiMedia Commons