Iran has stated it cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to U.S. military actions. Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali said it is 'not possible' for Iran to take part after the United States killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in its ongoing war, and added that Iranian team members are not safe in the United States. According to Middle East Monitor, Donyamali described the U.S. as a hostile host country.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in statements reported by ESPN.com and Middle East Monitor, said Iran’s national soccer team is welcome to compete at the FIFA World Cup but advised against participation for their own life and safety. Trump also said he really doesn’t care if Iran takes part in the 48-nation tournament, according to Hindu. These statements reflect differing interpretations: Iran frames its withdrawal as a direct consequence of U.S. actions, while Trump frames his remarks as a safety recommendation.

FIFA’s regulations state that if a team withdraws after the final draw, it faces a significant financial penalty and the possibility of replacement by the highest-ranked available team. FIFA has activated contingency planning for the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the tournament. Iran’s national soccer team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, according to FifaWorldCupNews.com. FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Trump on Tuesday, during which Trump reiterated that Iran’s team is welcome to compete.