Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has declared that the country will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, citing recent U.S. airstrikes that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. The attacks, carried out in coordination with Israel, occurred nearly two weeks prior and have exacerbated tensions in the Gulf region, prompting a strong response from Iranian officials.

Donyamali emphasized that the current security situation in Iran is dire, stating that the country’s children are not safe, and hence there are no conditions that would allow for participation in an international event such as the World Cup. His comments were made on state television, highlighting the emotional and political gravity of the situation following the death of a key national leader.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Given the current geopolitical tensions and the significant impact of the airstrikes, Iran's decision may have broader implications for international sports relations and the political climate in the region, as nations navigate issues of security and national pride in the face of conflict.