Iran’s participation in the World Cup is uncertain after comments from the country’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali. He suggested that the team may not be in a position to participate in the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting on 11 June.
Minister Cites Safety Concerns and Recent Conflicts
Donyamali stated that Iran does not have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup. “Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist,” he said. He also referenced recent conflicts, stating that “over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation.”
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Infantino’s Comments and Trump’s Support
Earlier, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said that US President Donald Trump had told him Iran are “welcome to compete” at this summer’s finals. Infantino posted on Instagram that he had met with President Trump to discuss preparations for the tournament and “spoke about the current situation in Iran”.
Infantino added, “We all need an event like the Fifa World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”
Football Federation Concerns
Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s Football Federation, has also questioned their ability to participate in the World Cup. This follows six members of Iran’s women’s national team receiving “humanitarian” visas from Australia over concerns for their safety.
Taj said, “Given the problems created for the female footballers, if the World Cup outlook is like this, no sound mind would accept sending the team to the US.” Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said seven people were granted asylum, but one woman later changed her mind and opted to return home. The remaining Iranian players left Australia after the team’s elimination from the Asian Cup.
Potential Replacement for Iran
If Iran withdraws from the World Cup, Fifa’s regulations allow the governing body to choose a replacement. It is unclear who that would be, but the most likely is thought to be a fellow team from the Asian Football Confederation – Iraq.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will all host matches during the 2026 World Cup.