Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, stated in an interview that the Iranian national football team's participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North and Central America is not feasible. He pointed out that the context of U.S. military actions, including the assassination of a leading Iranian figure, has created a situation where Iran can't safely send its athletes to the tournament. The announcement comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S., which Donyamali highlighted as having caused significant loss of life among Iranian citizens.

The Iranian team is set to play in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their matches are scheduled to take place in California and Seattle during June 2026. Donyamali stressed the safety risks for his country's athletes, firmly stating, "It is certainly impossible for our national team to participate in this World Cup," reflecting broader geopolitical concerns affecting sports and international cooperation.

In contrast, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had recently met with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed support for Iran's participation in the tournament during discussions. This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of sports diplomacy, as Iran's position diverges sharply from that of FIFA, indicating that the ongoing political tensions may overshadow the sporting event in question.