Iranian team will not compete in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, government decides after conflict

The Irã officially announced that it will not participate in the Copa of the Mundo of 2026. The minister of the Esportes, Esses attacks resulted in the death of the supreme leader Ali Khamenei and left thousands of Iranian civilians dead. Donyamali stated that there are no minimum conditions of security and stability for the team to compete in the tournament.

The statement came just hours after the president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, revealed that he spoke with American president Donald Trump. Infantino disclosed that Trump reiterated the assurance that the Iranian team would be welcome to play in the Estados Unidos, where three group stage matches were scheduled.

Reasons cited by the Iranian government

Minister Ahmad Donyamali highlighted several factors that impede participation.

• Death of supreme leader Ali Khamenei in the February 28 attacks.
• Two wars in less than nine months against the Estados Unidos and Israel.
• Thousands of Iranian citizens killed in the armed conflict.
• Total absence of safety conditions for players and coaching staff.

He reinforced that the decision is a government one and considers the current scenario unfeasible for any international sporting involvement.

Scheduled games and affected venues

The Iranian team had qualified through the Asian qualifiers and would have three group stage clashes on American soil. The team would face Nova Zelândia on June 15, at Los Angeles. On June 21, they would play against Bélgica, also in Los Angeles. On June 26th, the opponent would be Egito, in Seattle. Esses games were part of the joint organization between Estados Unidos, Canadá and México, with the tournament starting on June 11.

Withdrawal directly changes the competition table and requires urgent adjustments by Fifa. The host cities in the Estados Unidos lose important first stage matches.

American guarantees and meeting with Fifa

The Estados Unidos authorities maintained the opening position for the Iranian team. In November last year, Trump had already guaranteed the granting of visas for players, coaches and members of the technical committee. Torcedores Iranians would continue to be subject to restrictions for national security reasons. Gianni Infantino confirmed these assurances following the recent meeting, expressing optimism about Mundial’s overall preparations.

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Despite assurances, the Iranian government maintained its refusal. The country’s football federation has not yet sent an official statement to Fifa, but the minister’s speech indicates a definitive position.

Sanctions provided for in the regulation of Fifa

The Copa regulation of Mundo 2026 establishes clear penalties for withdrawals. If the withdrawal is formalized more than 30 days before the start, the minimum fine will be 250,000 Swiss francs, approximately US$323,000. Quando occurs in less than 30 days, the value doubles to at least 500 thousand Swiss francs, equivalent to around US$647 thousand.

The Iranian federation must also return all resources received from Fifa for preparation, including the US$1.5 million portion allocated to each qualified team. Medidas additional disciplinary measures may include suspension from future competitions organized by the entity.

Scenario for replacement in Ásia

The Asian vacancy left by Irã can be filled by another selection from the confederation. Iraque appears as the main candidate, as it obtained the right to the intercontinental playoff. Fifa will decide the replacement at its sole discretion, as provided for in article 6 of the regulations.

The Emirados Árabes Unidos, eliminated by the Iraque in the zonal playoff, could be called up to compete in the Monterrey, in the México, scheduled for March 31st. However, Iraque faces serious logistical obstacles, such as closed airspace and non-functioning embassies, making it difficult to obtain visas and the presence of the Graham Arnold technician.