Sports Minister Says Iran Won’t Play in World Cup Hosted by ‘Corrupt Regime’

Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup appears unlikely after the nation’s sports minister said “under no circumstances” can his country participate due to the conflict in the Middle East.Iran’s status in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been in question since the joint attacks in the Middle East by the United States and Israel began on Feb. 28. Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during one of the attacks.America will co-host the World Cup in June and July with Mexico and Canada. Iran is scheduled for three matches in the United States and could possibly meet the U.S. in the knockout round. “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said on state television, according to Front Office Sports.Counterattacks by Iran have targeted several countries participating in the World Cup, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Mr. Donyamali said. “Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”The World Cup has prided itself for being above politics and is presented as a chance to unify the globe. But much like the recent Winter Olympics, politics and the controversial policies of the Trump Administration have been a constant topic at international sporting events.FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he met with Mr. Trump Tuesday to discuss the status of preparations for the World and received assurances the Iranian team was welcome to compete in the United States.Iran, ranked 20th in the world and second in Asia, qualified for the tournament’s expanded 48-team field and was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Iran is scheduled to play all three group stage matches on the U.S. West Coast with games on June 15 against New Zealand and June 21 against Belgium in Los Angeles and on June 26 versus Egypt in Seattle.Mr. Trump indicated last week he had no issues with Iran competing in the U.S. “I really don’t care,” he said.Meanwhile, Mr. Infantino continued to play the role of peacemaker. “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”Iran was the first team to qualify for the World Cup, but did not send a delegation to the FIFA planning meetings this week in Atlanta. The three-day event consisted of a series of meetings and workshops on medical issues, facilities, transportation and other essential matters.Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been in question since the president of the Iranian soccer federation, Mehdi Taj, said last month that “we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”If Iran withdraws from the tournament, its federation would lose at least $10.5 million, an amount all participating teams receive from FIFA, and face fines of about $320,000. It also could impact their standing for the 2030 World Cup.FIFA has not confirmed who would replace Iran should it pull out of the World Cup. Iraq appears to be the frontrunner to represent that Asian Football Confederation. Iraq could qualify on its own by winning a playoff game in Mexico later this month, but FIFA has been asked to delay that game amid ongoing airspace and visa issues resulting from the war.Meanwhile, Mr. Trump continues to support the Iranian women’s teams. Several members defected in Australia seeking asylum. The president said he spoke with Australia’s prime minister to say, “The U.S. will take them if you won’t.”

Sports Minister Says Iran Won’t Play in World Cup Hosted by ‘Corrupt Regime’

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