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.
Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, already threatened by US visa denials ahead of the December 2025 group draw, ended definitively when Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced on March 11 that the national team would not compete. "Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Donyamali said on state television, citing unsafe conditions, recent 'malicious actions,' and two wars that killed thousands.
The escalation stemmed from US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and causing at least 1,255 deaths and over 12,000 injuries, according to Iranian reports, following a prior 12-day clash.
Drawn into Group G with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, Iran was set to play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Hours before the announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino met US President Donald Trump on March 10, who guaranteed Iran's welcome. Infantino posted on Instagram: "President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome." Trump had previously said he 'really doesn't care' about their participation. No formal withdrawal notice has been received by FIFA or Iran's federation.
Under FIFA rules, withdrawal more than 30 days before the tournament incurs a minimum fine of 250,000 Swiss francs ($323,000), or 500,000 francs ($647,000) if later. Iran must also return $1.5 million in preparation funds and $10.5 million in participation fees. Further sanctions, such as exclusion from future competitions, and replacement by a team like Iraq or the UAE could follow.
The decision highlights geopolitics overriding sports, with no modern precedent for a qualified team's World Cup boycott.
