Iran's men's national football team faces uncertainty over its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following reported comments by Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali on state television, according to Fox News Digital. Donyamali said participation was "not possible" after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran that began on February 28, 2026.[1]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first expanded 48-team edition, will take place from June 11 to July 19 across 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.[2][3] Iran qualified via the AFC third-round qualifiers and is drawn in a group with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, per reports.[1]

Scheduled fixtures include Iran vs. New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; vs. Belgium on June 21; and vs. Egypt on June 26 at Lumen Field in Seattle.[1][2]

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday that the Iranian team was "welcome" but participation might not be "appropriate" for their safety.[1] FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated after a meeting with Trump that the Iranian team met all qualification requirements and was welcome to compete.[1]

The Iran Football Federation issued a statement giving a dim outlook on participation following U.S.-assisted strikes, per reports.[1] FIFA did not immediately respond to comment requests.

Geopolitical tensions have also affected the Iranian women's national team, with Australia granting asylum to five members visiting for a tournament, a government minister confirmed. Players drew attention for not singing the national anthem before a match against South Korea on March 2.[1]

Iran, known as Team Melli, has appeared in every World Cup since 1998 and currently ranks 19th in FIFA standings.[3][4]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital, "Iran Football Federation gives dim World Cup outlook after US-assisted strikes on country", publication date not specified in draft (circa March 2026), https://www.foxnews.com/sports/soccer
2. FIFA, "FIFA World Cup 26™", accessed October 2024, https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026
3. Wikipedia, "2026 FIFA World Cup", accessed October 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup
4. FIFA, "Men's Ranking", accessed October 2024, https://inside.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men