Iranian Sports Minister: Iran's team cannot participate in the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico

Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamaali said in an interview on the 11th that considering the current situation, Iran’s team is unlikely to participate in this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

According to DPA, Donyamaali stated during a TV interview that due to military attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, the Iranian team “has no conditions to participate in the World Cup” and “it is impossible to compete.”

Several media outlets report that it is still unclear whether this is the final decision of the Iranian team.

Earlier on the 11th, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on his personal social media account that during his meeting with US President Donald Trump, Trump welcomed the Iranian team to attend the USA, Canada, and Mexico World Cup.

Infantino said he discussed the preparations for the World Cup and other related issues with Trump. “We talked about the current situation in Iran, as well as the fact that Iran has qualified for the 2026 World Cup. During the meeting, President Trump reiterated that Iran’s team can, of course, and is welcome to, attend this tournament in the United States.”

On February 28th, the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj stated on March 1st, “We cannot expect to participate in the World Cup.”

According to the schedule, Iran is in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, and all three group matches will be held within the United States.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)