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In the wake of the conflict between Iran, United States and Israel, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali declared, on Wednesday, that they cannot participate in the FIFA World Cup, set to commence on June 12. The massive claim comes after airstrikes on their country by the United States and Israel along with killing Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Notably, the tournament will be co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.
Air-strikes in Iran triggers region-wide conflict
The conflict began nearly a couple of weeks ago as the strikes by The United States and Israel resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tensions have only escalated ever since, with more than 100 children dying in Iran after a bombing.
Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister told state television.
The World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Donyamali said.
“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”
In the draw last December, the Iranians were grouped with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. All three of their Group G matches were scheduled to take place in the U.S., two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Iran was the only nation missing from a FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants held last week in Atlanta.
Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.
US President Donald Trump has no qualms over Iran playing in the United States:
In a recent statement issued by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, who recently met the United States President Donald Trump, he stated, as quoted by First Post:
“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”
Argentina are the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2022 after defeating France in the final.
(With inputs from Reuters)
