Iran Cannot Compete at World Cup, Sports Minister Says The Iranian sports minister claimed Wednesday that the country cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following airstrikes by the United States and Israel. Ahmad Donyamali reportedly told Iranian state television that Iran would not take part in the tournament, stating, "Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup." Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the initial wave of attacks, and his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since assumed leadership. The nation was scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles in June—against New Zealand and Belgium—before facing Egypt in Seattle in their final group stage game. However, their participation became uncertain after the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on February 28. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed hope that Iran would still compete, citing a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Infantino shared on social media that Trump had assured him Iran would be "welcome" to the tournament. Trump had previously stated he "really didn’t care" if Iran played, but Infantino emphasized that Trump supported the team’s involvement. "The Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino wrote, adding that the World Cup could "bring people together now more than ever." Despite these assurances, Iranian officials voiced skepticism. Mehdi Taj, Iran’s top soccer official and a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, said last week, "What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.#iran #ayatollah_ali_khamenei #ahmad_donyamali #mohjtaba_khamenei #gianni_infantino
