Iran has cast major doubt over its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country is not in a position to compete following recent conflict and the killing of supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran are scheduled to face the All Whites, Belgium and Egypt in group matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, but Iranian officials say security conditions and the wider conflict make participation unrealistic.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said Donald Trump had indicated Iran would be welcome at the tournament.
