Iran Withdraws From World Cup Over US Attacks

Sports minister cites safety concerns after US killing of Iranian leader.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:06pm

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Iran's sports and youth minister announced that it is 'not possible' for the country to participate in the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament in the United States, citing the recent US killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Why it matters

Iran's withdrawal from the World Cup would be a major blow to the tournament, as the Iranian national team was expected to be a competitive participant. The decision highlights the escalating tensions between Iran and the US, which have reached a boiling point following the US military strike that killed Khamenei.

The details

Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that Iran's soccer players are not safe in the US, given the 'wicked acts they have done against Iran' by 'imposing two wars' and 'killing and martyring thousands' of Iranians. Iran was scheduled to play matches in Inglewood, California and Seattle during the group stage of the World Cup.

  • The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across North America.
  • Iran was set to play its first World Cup match on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California.

The players

Ahmad Donyamali

Iran's sports and youth minister who announced the country's withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The supreme leader of Iran who was killed in a US military strike, prompting Iran's decision to withdraw from the World Cup.

Donald Trump

The former US president who said 'I really don't care' if Iran takes part in the World Cup tournament.

Gianni Infantino

The FIFA president who met with President Trump to discuss Iran's participation in the World Cup and received assurances that Iran would be permitted to come to the US.

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What’s next

FIFA officials are expected to continue negotiations with Iran in an effort to convince the country to reverse its decision and participate in the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The escalating tensions between Iran and the US have now spilled over into the world of international sports, with Iran's withdrawal from the World Cup representing a significant blow to the tournament. This decision highlights the fragile state of relations between the two countries and the potential for sports to become collateral damage in their ongoing geopolitical conflict.