Iran’s place at 2026 FIFA World Cup thrown into doubt

Iran’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup remain uncertain after comments from the country’s sports minister.

The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada between 11 June and 19 July.

Last week, Iran’s sports minister said the national team shouldn't take part, slamming the US for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In comments broadcast on Iranian state television, Ahmad Donyamali said, “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”

But the issue took another twist after US President Donald Trump said Iran should not participate in the tournament.

His comment came just days after he suggested the country would be welcome despite tensions in the Middle East.

Sports writer Alexander Abnos from The Guardian said the situation is unlike anything football has seen before.

“Everything about this situation has been unprecedented. It's hard to pick an aspect of this that has a direct correlation to something that's happened in World Cup history. I'm interested to see how it plays out.”

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Abnos says he sympathises with the Iranian players.

"The state of being an Iranian national team member is to be constantly subject to the whims of the current regime and being used as a political tool."

Iran has been a regular participant in recent tournaments and would normally expect to compete for qualification.

The team's first Group G match is scheduled for 16 June against New Zealand.

"Ultimately, the final decision rests with Iran or the Iranian FA or FIFA, and that means the decision can come from either direction," says Abnos, adding that it's highly unlikely FIFA would impose a ban.

"It could also be the case that Iran itself decides they don't want to have anything to do with the tournament that's taking place in the US, the country that just attacked them.

To listen to Abnos in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio below: