Asian football powerhouse Iran national football team has officially withdrawn from the FIFA World Cup 2026, citing serious security concerns and escalating geopolitical tensions.
According to reports by The Straits Times, the decision was confirmed by Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali on March 11, marking a stunning development ahead of the world’s biggest football tournament.
Donyamali explained that the safety of Iranian players and officials could not be guaranteed, especially with growing tensions involving the tournament’s host nation.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, comes at a time of heightened political conflict in the Middle East.
According to the Iranian minister, recent confrontations involving the United States and Israel have intensified instability in the West Asian region.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has killed our leaders, how can we participate in the World Cup?” Donyamali said.
“Our children are not safe, and fundamentally the conditions for our participation no longer exist.”
He further alleged that Iran had faced multiple military confrontations within the past year, resulting in thousands of casualties.
“Given their hostile actions against Iran, launching two wars against us within eight or nine months and killing thousands of people, it is clear that we will not participate in the 2026 World Cup.”
Prior to the announcement, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), had already hinted that Iran might pull out of the tournament if security conditions did not improve.
The confirmation now ends months of speculation surrounding Iran’s participation.
If the decision stands, it will mark the first withdrawal from a World Cup tournament since the 1950 FIFA World Cup, when both India national football team and France national football team withdrew due to travel costs and logistical challenges to host nation Brazil.
Iran’s decision could carry significant consequences under regulations set by FIFA.
The country may face a fine of CHF250,000 (approximately RM1.3 million) from FIFA’s disciplinary committee and could also risk suspension from future FIFA competitions.
In addition, Iran’s slot at the tournament may be reassigned to another eligible member association.
The withdrawal is expected to present a major challenge for Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.
Previously, Infantino had received assurances from Donald Trump that Iran would be permitted to participate in the tournament despite political tensions.
However, the latest development threatens to complicate preparations for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which is set to be the largest edition in tournament history.
Credit Photo : AFC
