Iran National Football Team
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.
Iran have left striker Sardar Azmoun out of their 2026 World Cup squad. The decision follows reports of perceived disloyalty to the government.
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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.