Iran's potential withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup explained: What are FIFA's options?

Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's minister of sport and youth, said Wednesday that 'under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup' because of the ongoing war in the country

Pardeep Cattry

Mar 16, 2026

12:50 pm ET

•

7 min read

Getty Images

Iran's participation at this summer's World Cup could be in doubt because of the ongoing war in the country, potentially creating logistical and geopolitical tensions for both the national team and FIFA alike as the tournament nears.

Though there are no confirmed changes to Iran's World Cup schedule as of this time, their participation has been in question since the U.S. and Israel's joint military operation began on Feb. 28. In the weeks since, a wide range of speculation – and dueling statements from notable figures – have offered more questions than answers even as looming deadlines approach, potentially impacting a wide range of teams in the process.

FIFA has yet to offer clarity on the situation, even as the Iran war impacts more than just that country's national team. Airspace is partially or fully restricted in several neighboring countries, forcing the cancellation of the Finalissima in Qatar and potentially impacting Iraq's ability to participate in a World Cup qualifier later this month. The knock-on effect of FIFA's decisions could also impact teams like Bolivia and Suriname, who are part of the same qualification path as Iraq, as well as the likes of Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, who are still slated to face Iran in the World Cup.

and on Wednesday, Iran minister of sport and youth Ahmad Donyamali said the national team would not take part as a direct result of the war.

"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Donyamali told state television while referencing former Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed on Feb. 28 during a series of missile strikes by the U.S and Israel. "Our children are not safe, and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. 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."

Donyamali's comments only cast further doubts but Iran's withdrawal from the World Cup has not been confirmed at this time, inspiring more questions than answers just three months before the summertime competition begins.

Here's what we know – and don't – about the situation.

What's been said so far?

March 11: FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he met with U.S. President Donald Trump in a meeting, that focused on Iran, among other topics. "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," the statement read in part. "During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."

March 11: Iran minister of sport and youth Ahmad Donyamali said the national team would not take part as a direct result of the war. "Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Donyamali told state television while referencing former Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed on Feb. 28 during a series of missile strikes by the U.S and Israel. "Our children are not safe, and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. 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."

FIFA declined to comment to CBS Sports on Iran's potential withdrawal from the World Cup following Donyamali's comments, instead pointing towards Infantino's statement earlier that day.

March 12: Trump discouraged Iran's national team from traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup, his most recent comments coming a week after he told Politico that he "really does not care" if Iran play at the World Cup. "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup," he said in a brief social media statement, "but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."

March 13: The Iran national team issued a statement saying "no one can exclude" them from the World Cup, using the opportunity to criticize the U.S. for an inability to "provide security" for participating teams. "The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA -- not any individual, country," the team wrote on social media. "Iran's national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the f