Iran's sports minister has ruled out participating in the men's football World Cup co-hosted by the US this summer. "Considering that ‌this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances ⁠can we ​participate in ​the World ​Cup," Ahmad Donyamali told Iran's state television on Wednesday. "We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the World Cup. No country has withdrawn from the World Cup after qualifying for the tournament for 76 years. "No country has withdrawn from the World Cup after qualifying for the tournament for 76 years.

Source: Sky sports March 11, 2026 15:39 UTC