TEHRAN, Mar 11 (APP): Iran has ruled out participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following reports that US President Donald Trump said the Iranian team would be allowed to compete in the United States despite ongoing hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
According to reports, the US president met Gianni Infantino and Andrew Giuliani at the White House on Tuesday to discuss issues related to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The meeting came amid tensions after the United States and Israel reportedly launched joint military strikes on Iran in an operation referred to as Operation Epic Fury by the US and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel.
Following the meeting, Infantino wrote on X that the World Cup should serve as an event to bring people together during difficult times.
However, Iran’s sports minister rejected the possibility of participation in the tournament, announcing the country’s withdrawal.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” he said, referring to the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the recent conflict.
It remains unclear whether another team will replace Iran in the tournament or whether the teams scheduled to face Iran will receive automatic points.
The development comes after reports that President Trump offered asylum to Iran’s women’s football team, which was in Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.