Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been thrown into uncertainty after the country’s sports minister suggested the national team may boycott amid escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, reportedly indicated that the nation could withdraw from the tournament following recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

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Rising tensions after strike on Iran’s supreme leader

Tensions intensified after a joint U.S.–Israeli strike on February 28 reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who has since been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting several neighbouring countries, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Cyprus. Israel has also continued hostilities with the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

The conflict has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement across the region.

Sporting events disrupted across the region

Sporting activities have also been affected. Planned tours by the England Lions and England Women’s cricket team to the UAE have been cancelled due to security concerns.

The United States, Mexico and Canada will co-host the 2026 World Cup. Iran is currently scheduled to play all three of its group matches in the United States, two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

Iran are in Group G with Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand.

However, the country’s participation has been under scrutiny since the outbreak of the conflict and the subsequent military exchanges.

Adding to the uncertainty, several players from the Iranian women’s national football team reportedly sought asylum during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Concerns have also been raised over whether Formula One races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will proceed as planned.

Despite the tension, Gianni Infantino revealed that he discussed Iran’s World Cup participation with U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly stated that the Iranian national team would be welcome to compete in the United States.

However, Donyamali cast doubt on that possibility.

“After the corrupt government killed our leader, there are no conditions that allow us to participate in the World Cup,” he said.

World Cup plans under scrutiny

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11, with Mexico hosting the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

Iran’s opening match is currently scheduled for June 16 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California.