The Iran national football team will not be allowed to participate in this year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to an announcement by Iran’s sports minister.
The tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
The World Cup is planned to kick off on June 11, 2026.
Iran had been scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the tournament. Their first two matches were set to take place in Los Angeles against New Zealand national football team on June 15, and against Belgium national football team on June 21.
They were also scheduled to face Egypt national football team in their final group match on June 26.
However, due to the ongoing conflict in the region, the Iranian government has decided not to allow the national team to participate in the tournament, creating a major development ahead of the World Cup.
