Iran Says It Cannot Play the 2026 World Cup as Trump Warns Against Team’s Participation

Iranian officials cite player safety at U.S. venues, with no formal withdrawal filed with FIFA.

Overview

Iran’s sports and youth minister said on state media that the national team cannot participate under any circumstances, citing the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and safety concerns.
President Donald Trump wrote that Iranian participation would be inappropriate for the players’ lives and safety, even as he said the team would be welcomed.
Iran qualified for Group G and is scheduled to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with matches set for Los Angeles and Seattle during the June 11–July 19 tournament.
Reuters reported that Iran skipped last week’s FIFA World Cup participants’ summit in Atlanta, signaling strains in engagement with organizers.
Reports describe U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, and Iranian officials argue they cannot guarantee athletes’ safety in the United States.