Iran banned from 2026 World Cup, announces sports minister

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali announced that the country will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to ongoing airstrikes by the United States and Israel. He cited safety concerns and the assassination of Iranian leaders as reasons for this decision. Iran’s national team had qualified for the tournament last year and was scheduled to compete in Group G against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand starting June 15 in Los Angeles.

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