The government of Iran announced on Wednesday that the country will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite having already qualified for the global tournament.
The competition is scheduled to be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said the national team would not participate due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the country.
“Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have absolutely no intention of taking part in the World Cup,” Donyamali said in remarks broadcast on Iranian television.
Iran had already secured qualification for the tournament and had been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
World football governing body FIFA has not yet clarified what steps would be taken should Iran officially withdraw, including whether another team would be selected as a replacement.
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