Iran Likely to Drop Out of World Cup

Sports minister cites safety concerns after U.S. killing of supreme leader

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:52am

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Iran's sports and youth minister said it's "not possible" for the country to take part in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, citing safety concerns after the U.S. killing of Iran's supreme leader. Iran was expected to play in the tournament, which will be held across North America in June.

Why it matters

Iran's participation in the World Cup has become a geopolitical issue, with the U.S. killing of the Iranian supreme leader heightening tensions between the two countries. The decision could have major implications for the tournament and international soccer.

The details

According to the sports minister, Iran's soccer team players are not safe in the U.S. after the U.S. imposed "two wars" on Iran and "killed and martyred thousands" of its people. Iran was scheduled to play matches in Inglewood, California and Seattle during the group stage.

  • Iran was expected to take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America in June.
  • Iran was scheduled to play in Inglewood, Calif., against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The players

Ahmad Donyamali

Iran's sports and youth minister who said it's "not possible" for Iran to take part in the World Cup due to safety concerns.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran's supreme leader who was killed by the U.S., leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

Donald Trump

The U.S. 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 Trump and said the Iranian team is "welcome to compete" in the World Cup in the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran -- they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people -- definitely it's not possible for us to take part in the World Cup.”

— Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's sports and youth minister (State television)

“I really don't care if Iran takes part in the 48-nation tournament.”

— Donald Trump (White House)

“The Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President (Instagram)

What’s next

FIFA said it anticipates that Iran's national team will be allowed to come to the United States to compete in the World Cup.

The takeaway

The decision by Iran to potentially withdraw from the World Cup due to safety concerns following the U.S. killing of its supreme leader highlights the geopolitical tensions surrounding the tournament. It remains to be seen whether Iran will ultimately participate or if its absence will impact the competition.