Iran will not participate in the upcoming World Cup, the country’s sports minister has confirmed, citing the ongoing conflict with host nation the United States.
Iran had been scheduled to compete in the tournament set to take place across North America in June. However, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, said the country’s national team cannot safely travel to the U.S., according to a video of his interview with state television posted on Tuesday.
“Due to the hostile actions taken against Iran — including two wars imposed on us within eight or nine months that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of our people — it is not possible for us to participate in the World Cup,” he said.
Iran had been drawn to play matches in the United States, starting with a game against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15. The team was also scheduled to face Belgium on June 21 before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Iran’s participation came into question after the United States and Israel began launching airstrikes on February 28.
The announcement comes despite comments by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said U.S. President Donald Trump had assured him that Iran would be welcome to take part in the tournament.
Trump had earlier said he “really didn’t care” whether Iran played in the World Cup. However, Infantino later stated that Trump expressed support for Iran’s participation during a meeting between the two leaders.
“This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to discuss preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the growing excitement as the tournament approaches,” Infantino wrote on social media.
“We also discussed the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. During our conversation, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome to compete in the United States.”
Infantino added that global events like the World Cup help unite people, thanking the U.S. president for his support and emphasizing that football has the power to bring the world together.
According to The Associated Press, a White House official — speaking on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions — confirmed Trump’s message to Infantino regarding Iran’s participation.
