Iran Abandons 2026 World Cup
Iran officially withdraws from the 2026 World Cup, citing ongoing war and the death of its supreme leader. FIFA must now scramble for a replacement in Group G as Team Melli faces heavy fines and a potential ban from the 2030 tournament.
Iran has officially withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, impacting the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the decision, stating that participation is impossible due to the ongoing conflict and U.S.-led military strikes that resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader.
The move follows months of uncertainty about whether Iran's national team, known as Team Melli, would compete in U.S. venues such as Los Angeles and Seattle.
Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino securing assurances from the Trump administration for Iran's participation, Iranian officials have rejected these as insincere from a hostile government.
FIFA now must find a replacement for Iran in Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
Iran faces potential penalties, including a fine of up to €550,000 and a possible ban from the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle, for the withdrawal.