Iran sports minister casts doubt on 2026 World Cup participation | OneFootball

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been cast into doubt by sports minister Ahmad Donyalami amid the Middle East war. According to SuperDepor.com, he said the national team does not have the conditions to take part.

Donyalami referred to the death of ayatolá Alí Jamenei during United States and Israeli air strikes on Iran that began on 28 February. He added that hostile measures had forced Iran into two wars in eight or nine months, with thousands of compatriots killed, leaving no prospect of competing.

The decision is not final, but indications are that Iran will not play at the 2026 tournament, which would leave FIFA to address any absence. If a qualified team withdraws or is excluded, there is no redraw and a FIFA-designated side would take the same group and schedule.

All of Iran's group-stage matches are scheduled for the United States, against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, which further complicates any participation.

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's football federation, also raised the possibility of staying away, questioning who would send a team to the United States if the World Cup were as political as he believes Australia was. That comment referred to the Asian Cup in Australia, where six Iranian women players remained after receiving humanitarian visas following their refusal to sing the anthem.

Source: SuperDepor.com