Iran’s sports minister has reportedly shed new light on whether the nation will compete in the upcoming FIFA World Cup amid conflict between the US, Israel and Iran in the Middle East.
On 28 February, a joint US-Israeli strike killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who has since been succeeded by his son Mojtaba.
Following the attack on Iran, the nation responded by firing retaliatory strikes towards neighbouring nations Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Cyprus.
Israel has also engaged in conflict with the Iranian-backed Shia militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
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Thousands of fatalities have been reported, with thousands more displaced across the region following the outbreak of the conflict.
Sport has also been heavily impacted, with England Lions and England Women’s tours of the UAE cancelled.
Concerns remain over whether April’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian F1 events will take place, while seven members – six players and a member of the support staff – of Iran’s women’s team have been granted Australian visas following their appearance in the Asian Cup.
However, one has since reportedly changed her mind despite initially seeking asylum.
Concerns also remain over the Iran men’s team’s participation in the World Cup, with the side currently scheduled to play all three of their group matches – against Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand – in the US.
On Wednesday (11 March), FIFA president Gianni Infantino explained how he had met with US President Donald Trump, who insisted that the side are welcome to compete at this summer’s tournament.
Part of the statement read: “We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”
However, as reported by Reuters, Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has suggested that Iran will not take part in the 2026 World Cup.
"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," he said.
"Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.
"Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will get underway on 11 June, with Mexico hosting South Africa in the opening fixture.
Iran’s opening fixture is scheduled to take place against New Zealand on 16 June in Inglewood, California.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Football
Luke Davies