Iran Withdraws from 2026 World Cup Over US-Israel Attacks
Iran has become the first nation to pull out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali cited recent US and Israeli attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since responded with strikes on US military bases in the region. Originally, Iran was due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, then Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Donyamali said there is “no possibility” the team will participate under these conditions.
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