Iran has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming World Cup, citing security concerns following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and the ongoing war between the two countries. The decision was confirmed by Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ahmad Daneyamali, on state television, according to a WPDE News report. He stated that the Iranian team would not be safe in the United States and described the situation as untenable after two wars and thousands of deaths within months.

The conflict between Iran and the United States has intensified since the killing of Khamenei, with Tehran declaring that playing on American soil is both unsafe and unacceptable. In response, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump, who assured that Iran’s team would be welcome if it chose to participate. Infantino emphasized the importance of global unity through football and thanked Trump for his stance.

The situation underscores the intersection of global politics and sports, with FIFA calling for unity despite escalating geopolitical tensions.