Nation pulls out of World Cup 2026 despite Donald Trump’s ‘welcome’ message
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesJames ShearmanThu, March 12, 2026 at 12:30 AM UTC·2 min readThe 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on 11 June, with the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the first time.
Many teams from across the globe have already secured their places in the competition, with preparations well underway ahead of the group stage matches.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, uncertainty has recently surrounded one qualified nation due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Despite Donald Trump previously indicating the country would be welcome to compete, officials have now clarified their position regarding participation in the tournament.
Iran say they cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup
Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, has said the country is not in a position to take part in the 2026 World Cup.
The comments come amid escalating conflict following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIran subsequently responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other countries hosting US military bases.
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesSpeaking to IRIB Sports Network, Donyamali said the current situation means participation in the tournament is not possible.
“Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup,” he said.
“Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist.”
He also referenced the wider impact of the ongoing conflict.
“Over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us, and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIran had already qualified for the tournament and were scheduled to play three group matches in the United States.
Donald Trump had said Iran were welcome at World Cup 2026
The update comes shortly after FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that US President Donald Trump had indicated Iran would be welcome to participate in the competition.
The 2026 tournament will be staged across North America, with the United States hosting the majority of matches.
Iran had been placed in Group G and were due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, before taking on Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAny official withdrawal would leave FIFA facing a major decision regarding the structure of the group stage, with the tournament now just months away.
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