• Iran announces it will not participate in the 2026 World Cup after US-led airstrikes.
• The country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in these airstrikes.
• Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali emphasized security concerns for Iranian children.

Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, has confirmed that the country will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, stating that under no circumstances can they attend due to the aftermath of US and Israeli airstrikes that killed the nation's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," he stated on state television, emphasizing the ongoing regional conflict and safety concerns for Iranian citizens, particularly children, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Details surrounding the conflict reveal that more than 1,300 Iranian civilians have died since the onset of airstrikes on February 28, amplifying the outrage from Tehran regarding their participation in the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

Iran, which was grouped with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, was set to play its matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. Donyamali's refusal to participate stems from the belief that current conditions do not guarantee safety for the team or their families, as stated in multiple reports, including South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

While FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed that former US President Donald Trump publicly welcomed Iran's participation, the Iranian football officials have publicly expressed skepticism about the safety of attending the event. "After this attack [on Iran], we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," said Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, reflecting the sentiments of many Iranian officials, according to South China Morning Post.