UPDATE: the conditions necessary for Iran’s participation “do not exist”, judges the country’s sports minister

As tensions rise between Iran and the United States, Iran’s qualification for the 2026 Men’s World Cup is uncertain, with the nation’s sports minister deeming the conditions for participation “nonexistent.”

With the 2026 Men’s Football World Cup set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Iran’s involvement in the tournament is increasingly in doubt due to the escalating conflict between the Islamic Republic and Western powers. Amid ongoing Israeli-American airstrikes since late February, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated on March 11 that the conditions necessary for the national football team to participate no longer exist. His comments cast further uncertainty on Iran’s participation in the global sporting event, just months before it is due to take place.

Rising Tensions: A “Corrupt Regime” and the Death of Khamenei

In a televised interview, Donyamali strongly condemned the strikes on Iran, which have intensified the nation’s struggles in recent weeks. The minister accused the United States of assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, claiming that the attacks and the subsequent loss of life had created insurmountable obstacles for the Iranian national team.

“This corrupt regime [the United States] assassinated our leader,” said Donyamali, referring to the attacks. “They imposed two wars on us in eight or nine months and killed and martyred thousands of our citizens. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”

These remarks highlight the increasingly hostile atmosphere surrounding Iran’s participation in global events, such as the World Cup, against the backdrop of rising political and military tensions.

FIFA’s Response: A Divisive Stance

While Donyamali’s statements painted a grim picture for the Iranian team’s chances of competing, FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke with US President Donald Trump on the same day, affirming that Iran’s football team would be “welcome” at the tournament. Infantino echoed the sentiment on his social media, noting that the World Cup serves as a much-needed unifying event in times of geopolitical strife.

“We all need an event like the World Cup to bring people together, today more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support,” Infantino said.

FIFA has yet to comment publicly on Donyamali’s remarks, leaving the door open for further diplomatic complexities in the lead-up to the tournament.

A Growing Divide: Absence from Key Planning Meetings

Iran’s absence from a recent planning summit held by FIFA in Atlanta only deepens the uncertainty surrounding its participation. The country was the only one not represented at the meeting, further complicating the situation for a team that has already secured qualification for its fourth consecutive World Cup.

President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, expressed concern about the impact of the ongoing conflict, noting that the violence of the airstrikes could signal dark times ahead for the nation’s World Cup prospects.

The Iranian men’s team, known as Team Melli, has been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Iran’s matches are all scheduled in the United States, with two set for Los Angeles and one in Seattle. If Iran and the US finish second in their respective groups, they could face off in the round of 16 on July 3 in Dallas, Texas.

As tensions continue to rise and the World Cup draws nearer, the future of Iran’s participation remains uncertain, with the country’s political and military struggles casting a shadow over its football ambitions.