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Iran has refused to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid the ongoing conflict with the host country, the United States. The country’s participation in the footballing major had been in doubt ever since the Middle East conflict.
The decision comes despite Iran being one of the first teams to qualify and having drawn group-stage matches scheduled on USA ground, highlighting how geopolitical hostilities have now spilled over into the world of sports.
Iran will not take part in FIFA World Cup 2026; turns down Trump's invitation amid Middle East conflict
Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali explicitly ruled out any involvement, stating there is "no possibility" of the national team traveling to the United States for the tournament. This stance follows the ongoing war-like situation that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an event that has plunged the region into deeper conflict and fueled outrage within Iran.
The refusal sharply contrasts with public assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump personally reiterated during a recent meeting that the Iranian team is "of course, welcome" to compete in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Infantino framed the gesture as a symbol of football's unifying power amid global divisions, thanking Trump for his support. Earlier comments from Trump, however, suggested a more indifferent attitude; he told reporters he "really doesn't care" whether Iran participates.
Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to take place from June 11 and will run until July 19, where Iran has been scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, respectively. It was the Middle East country’s fourth successive qualification in the tournament as they finished top of Group A in Asian qualifying.
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