Iran will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the co-host US carried out airstrikes on the country that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s sports minister said on Wednesday, Anadolu reports. “Considering that this corrupt regime has come and assassinated our leader, we are not in a position to participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali told state TV. “A hostile country is hosting the World Cup, and we expect FIFA to respond to this issue,” he added, arguing that the Iranian team members are “not safe.” READ: US says 5,500 targets hit in Iran as operation continues The World Cup will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico in June and July. […]
This article was sourced from Middle East Monitor.
Read Full Article on Middle East Monitor →![Players of Iran celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Group A game between Iran and Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium on March 25, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. [Fatemeh Bahrami - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AA-20250325-37444686-37444679-IRAN_V_UZBEKISTAN_2026_FIFA_WORLD_CUP_ASIAN_QUALIFIERS-1.jpg)
