Iran signals potential withdrawal from FIFA World Cup 2026 amid conflict with United States

Key facts

• Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the national team would not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to military conflict with the United States (US).
• The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
• Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other officials in air strikes.
• The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) is controlled by the federal government, which will determine the final decision on participation.
• Under Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regulations, any withdrawing team must reimburse the $1.5 million preparation grant provided by the organisation.
• Financial penalties for withdrawal include a minimum of 250,000 Swiss francs ($320,000) if done 30 days before the first match, increasing to 500,000 Swiss francs ($639,000) if done 29 days or less before.
• FIFA maintains sole discretion to replace a withdrawing team, with potential candidates from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) including Iraq or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Vancouver on April 30, which serves as a potential decision date for the tournament lineup.