Iran will not take part in the World Cup, announced Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali.
Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States, participation in the tournament has become impossible, the Iranian sports minister said. Under such circumstances, there is no justification for taking part, Ahmad Donyamali added.
The lives of Iranian children and citizens cannot be guaranteed, and sending the team is not feasible, the sports minister explained.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are the upcoming hosts of the FIFA World Cup. All matches in Iran’s group stage are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj also voiced concerns over participation.
“Who would send their national team in this situation?” Mehdi Taj asked.
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, US President Donald Trump had invited the Iranian team to take part in the World Cup.
Iran was the first country to qualify for the World Cup.
Iran cannot take part in the 2026 World Cup after co-host United States launched airstrikes on the country alongside Israel, killing its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.
The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago, killing the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader and leading to a region-wide conflict in the Gulf.
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