Iran has indicated it may withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following escalating tensions with the United States, one of the tournament’s hosts. The announcement came 12 days after U.S. airstrikes in Iran that reportedly killed the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iran has indicated it may withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following escalating tensions with the United States, one of the tournament’s hosts. The announcement came 12 days after U.S. airstrikes in Iran that reportedly killed the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Speaking on state television, sports minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that the national team could not participate in a competition hosted by a country whose actions had, in his words, targeted Iran’s leadership. He argued that under such circumstances it would be impossible for the team to take part in the event.
Donyamali also cited security concerns and broader conflict as reasons behind the decision. According to his remarks, the situation had resulted in two wars within a period of eight or nine months and led to significant loss of life, making participation in the global tournament unacceptable for the country.
Iran had previously become the third nation to secure qualification for the competition. If the withdrawal is confirmed, the team would become the first country since the 1950 FIFA World Cup to step away from the event after already earning its place.
Because such a scenario has not occurred in the modern era, it remains unclear how world football’s governing body, FIFA, would react or what sanctions might be applied. Much would depend on how the organization categorizes the withdrawal.
If the situation is interpreted as “force majeure,” a legal term referring to exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, the governing body could choose to reduce or even waive any disciplinary measures. The final decision would lie entirely with FIFA according to the World Cup regulations.
This classification could be considered plausible due to the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its third week and involves continued airstrikes on Tehran.
A recent message posted on social media by Donald Trump, who raised concerns about the safety of Iranian players, could also influence the situation. In his statement, Trump said the Iranian national team would be welcome at the tournament but suggested their presence might not be appropriate because of potential security risks.
Even if participation in the United States becomes problematic, FIFA has the authority to relocate matches or alter the schedule. Under its rules, games may be moved for reasons including safety, health concerns, or extraordinary circumstances.
That means Iran could theoretically play its group-stage matches in the other co-host countries, Mexico or Canada, rather than in the United States. Such decisions would remain entirely within FIFA’s discretion.
If the withdrawal is not categorized as force majeure, financial penalties would apply. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee could impose a fine of at least $316,605.25 if the team pulls out no later than 30 days before the tournament begins.
Should the decision come less than a month before the opening match, the fine would be at least double that amount. In addition, Iran would be required to repay approximately $1.5 million in team preparation funding as well as other tournament-related contributions previously received.
Beyond monetary consequences, Iran could also face exclusion from future competitions organized by FIFA. The governing body also has the right to replace the withdrawing nation with another association.
At present, Iraq is viewed as the most likely replacement, as it is the highest-ranked Asian team that has not qualified for the event.
Iran is currently scheduled to compete in Group G. Their opening match is planned for June 15 at Los Angeles Stadium against New Zealand, followed by a game with Belgium on June 21.
The team’s final group-stage fixture would take place on June 26 in Seattle against Egypt.
