The country’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, told state television that Iran will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The statement marks Iran’s strongest public position yet on the tournament. However, FIFA has not officially announced Iran out of the tournament.
On the same day of the sports minister’s statement, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said U.S. President Donald Trump told him Iran would be welcome to play in the United States.
That leaves the issue unresolved. Iran’s government says the team will not go. FIFA still treats Iran as a qualified side for now.
The ongoing war has already hit the national team’s calendar. Angola cancelled planned friendlies against Iran and Jordan on Wednesday because of the regional crisis.
Doubts over participation had already been raised last week when the football federation’s president questioned whether Iran could realistically prepare for a U.S.-based World Cup under current conditions.
For Egypt, the uncertainty centers on one key group-stage match. FIFA still lists the Iran game on the schedule, but Iran’s latest political stance puts that fixture in doubt.
Until FIFA or Iran files a formal withdrawal, Group G remains unchanged on paper.