Iran Boycotts 2026 World Cup Over War Fears
Iran has pulled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, amid soaring geopolitical tensions from US and Israeli strikes.
Iranian Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali confirmed the boycott on March 10-11, 2026.
He stated participation is impossible after US airstrikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.
Iran’s Group G games—against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand—were set for US venues, heightening risks amid the US-Iran-Israel conflict.
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Tensions spiked in late February with US “major combat operations” and Israeli attacks. Iran’s Football Federation issued early threats, and by early March, withdrawal seemed inevitable after skipping a FIFA event in Atlanta.
Donyamali highlighted the leader’s death and participant safety as decisive factors.
FIFA now scrambles to replace Iran in the expanded 48-team tournament kicking off in June 2026. Asian teams like Iraq or the UAE could step in.
The boycott challenges FIFA’s apolitical stance and may trigger sanctions against Iran.