Iran has ultimately decided not to send its national soccer team to the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in North America. It amounts to a sudden "boycott" in response to military clashes with one of the host countries, the United States, and the assassination of its national leader.
Middle East broadcaster Al Jazeera quoted Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's sports Minister, on the 11th (Korea time), saying Iran will not send its national team to the North American World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, which begins on June 11.
According to Al Jazeera, Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's Minister, announced on state TV, "Considering that this corrupt regime (the United States) assassinated our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances."
Iran qualified for the World Cup by advancing through the Asian qualifiers. In the finals, it had been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and was scheduled to play group matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle, Washington.
Earlier, FIFA and U.S. officials had said they would guarantee Iran's participation. In particular, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told FIFA that, separate from political conflict, "we welcome the Iran team setting foot on North American soil."
But with Iranian authorities ultimately choosing to boycott, significant repercussions are expected in international soccer. If a qualified team withdraws from the finals, it is likely that the next-ranked team from the relevant confederation (AFC) will be selected as a replacement.
In that case, Iraq or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could go. Iraq is slated to play an intercontinental playoff (PO) against the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match. Depending on the playoff outcome, Iraq could take Iran's place in the finals, or the UAE could fill Iran's spot.
However, FIFA's decision is likely to have the greatest effect. The flames of war have also had a major impact on the North American World Cup, which will be held for the first time with a 48-team format.
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