Iran Says It Will Not Take Part in 2026 World Cup in North and Central America

[Financial News] The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has officially announced that it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
According to Al Jazeera, on the 11th (local time), Ahmad Donyamali, minister of the Ministry of Sport and Youth of Iran, stated in an interview with Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, "Under no circumstances can we take part in the World Cup when a corrupt regime (the United States) has assassinated our leader."
Minister Donyamali added, "Our players are not safe, and the conditions for us to participate in the tournament are not met," and continued, "Over the past eight to nine months, two wars have been forced upon us and thousands of our people have been killed. Therefore, there is no possibility that we will take part in the World Cup."
On the 28th of last month, the Islamic Republic of Iran came under airstrikes by the United States of America (US) and Israel, during which Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, was killed. Since then, there has been growing discussion within the country about boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
At the time, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, remarked, "The decision must be made by the sports authorities," but also noted, "After the U.S. attack on Iran, it will be difficult to expect our participation in the World Cup."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States of America (US), Canada, and the United Mexican States (Mexico). The Iran national football team had been scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States of America (US).

km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter