Iran’s sport and youth minister has ruled out his country’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran is scheduled to play in California against New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Tuesday that his country’s team will not be safe in the USA.
“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.
FIFA said on Tuesday at it expects the Iranian national team will be in the USA for the tournament.
