FIFA monitors the situation, talks with Iranian and American authorities, but the boycott seems confirmed on Iran’s side
Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced today (11/03) that the Iranian national team will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, which starts on June 11 in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“Under no circumstances” will the country compete, according to him, due to the ongoing war, joint attacks by the USA and Israel, the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (supreme leader) and the impossibility of traveling to American territory — considered responsible for the leader’s murder.
The statement came on state TV and confirms doubts that already existed: the president of the Iranian federation, Mehdi Taj, had been talking about “unlikely” and without hope. The decision involves the government and the Ministry of Sports.
FIFA monitors the situation, talks with Iranian and American authorities, but the boycott appears confirmed on Iran’s side. The US had said the team would be “welcome”, but the conflict weighed more.
If the absence is confirmed, replacement by another AFC team is speculated: United Arab Emirates (best unclassified) or Iraq (if they advance in the repechage), or even adjust to a group with 3 teams.
It’s a serious and dramatic developmentwhich directly affects the tournament just a few months from its start.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
