"Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup. Our children are not safe. Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali expressed these concerns on state television, citing US airstrikes alongside Israel as reasons for the country's withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup."
"What reasonable person would send their national team to the US if the World Cup is going to be as political as it was in Australia? Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj raised this question to the Isna news agency, referencing the Asian Cup where five Iranian women's players were granted asylum after refusing to sing the national anthem."
"Iran's team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States despite the war. FIFA president Gianni Infantino conveyed this message on Instagram, stating that US President Donald Trump made this declaration during a meeting on Tuesday."
Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali declared on state television that Iran will not participate in the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He cited US airstrikes carried out alongside Israel and expressed concerns about player safety. The Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj raised the prospect of a boycott, referencing the Asian Cup in Australia where five Iranian women's football players sought asylum after refusing to sing the national anthem. FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated that US President Donald Trump confirmed Iran's team is welcome to compete despite ongoing conflict. Iran qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to play matches in US cities beginning June 15.
#iran-world-cup-boycott #2026-fifa-world-cup #us-iran-tensions #sports-and-politics #international-football
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