Iran won't participate in 2026 World Cup in North America over safety concerns

Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali says the country will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, arguing that the “corrupt regime” in the United States has assassinated Iran’s leader and that players would be unsafe. He told Al Jazeera on state television that Iran cannot meet the tournament’s conditions under these circumstances and that participation is not possible.

Donyamali cited the security environment, saying Iranian players are not safe and the country has endured two wars in the past eight to nine months, with thousands of Iranian lives lost. He framed the decision as a result of the political situation surrounding the World Cup host country.

Iran’s position was echoed earlier by sports officials in the country. Mehdi Taj, head of the Iran Football Federation, indicated that while the ultimate decision rests with sports authorities, the prospect of participating in light of recent events in the region is unlikely.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If Iran were to participate, its three group-stage matches were set to be played in the United States.

For U.S. policymakers and markets, the report highlights how geopolitics can intersect with global sports events that draw massive international audiences and billions in broadcasting and sponsorship deals. A boycott or withdrawal could affect television rights, tourism, and the broader economic impact of the tournament.

Non-Korean readers should note that Iran’s claim ties a major sports event to broader political tensions. The World Cup’s North American hosts are the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and FIFA has not issued a separate statement in this summary regarding Iran’s stance. The situation illustrates how security concerns and diplomatic disputes can influence athletes’ participation in global competitions.