Iran National Football Team
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Iran boycotts 2026 World Cup after US-Israel airstrikes kill Supreme Leader Khamenei
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Iran's sports minister announced on March 11, 2026, the national football team's withdrawal from the FIFA World Cup, escalating prior boycott threats over US visa issues into a full boycott due to US and Israeli airstrikes killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran's group stage matches were scheduled in US venues amid a conflict claiming over 1,255 lives.
Italy's sports minister Andrea Abodi has dismissed suggestions that the Azzurri replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup as not possible or appropriate. The remarks follow a proposal by a US envoy to President Donald Trump amid doubts over Iran's participation due to ongoing conflict. Abodi emphasized that qualification occurs on the pitch.