Iran’s sports leadership has indicated that the country may not participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 following escalating military tensions with the United States and Israel.
Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said participation in the tournament is currently impossible due to the ongoing conflict and recent developments in the region.
Speaking to state television, the minister said the situation had dramatically changed after airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran. According to Iranian officials, the strikes killed the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The comments highlight how geopolitical tensions are beginning to affect international sports events.
The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place next year across three host countries.
Iran Cites Security and Political Reasons for Possible Boycott
Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that Iran cannot participate in a tournament hosted partly by the United States under the current circumstances.
He said the assassination of the country’s top leader had created conditions that make participation impossible.
The minister added that security concerns are also a major factor behind the government’s position. According to him, Iranian athletes cannot safely compete in an event hosted by countries involved in the conflict.
“Our children are not safe,” Donyamali said while explaining the government’s stance.
He also accused the United States and Israel of carrying out hostile actions against Iran in recent months.
The minister said the country has faced two major wars over the past several months. He also claimed that thousands of Iranians had lost their lives in the conflict.
These developments have intensified political tensions and public anger across Iran.
Officials say the government is prioritizing national security and dignity when considering international participation in global events.
FIFA World Cup 2026 to Be Hosted Across North America
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be one of the largest tournaments in football history.
For the first time, the competition will feature 48 national teams instead of the traditional 32. The expansion aims to give more countries the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Matches are scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, and continue until July 19, 2026.
Hosting the event across three countries will allow more stadiums and cities to participate in the global football celebration.
However, rising geopolitical tensions could complicate participation for some nations.
Sports analysts say political conflicts have historically affected international sporting competitions.
Civilian Casualties Rise as Conflict Intensifies
Iranian officials say the ongoing military strikes have caused significant civilian casualties.
According to Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, more than 1,300 Iranian civilians have been killed since the airstrikes began.
The strikes reportedly started on February 28 during coordinated military operations by the United States and Israel.
Iran says the attacks targeted key locations across the country, triggering widespread damage and loss of life.
The rising number of casualties has increased tensions between Iran and Western countries.
Diplomatic observers say the situation could also impact global sports diplomacy.
For now, Iran has not issued a final official decision regarding its participation in the tournament.
However, the sports minister’s remarks suggest that Iran’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2026 remains highly uncertain if the conflict continues.
