Ahmad Donyamali

Stories

Iran withdraws from 2026 World Cup after U.S.-Israeli strikes kill supreme leader

As of May 2026: Made official withdrawal announcement on March 11-12

Iran qualified as a non-host nation for the 2026 World Cup, then withdrew a year later—the first qualified nation in the modern era to do so for political reasons. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the withdrawal three months after U.S.-Israeli military strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and devastated the country's military infrastructure.

Updated May 30

Notable Quotes

"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup." — Ahmad Donyamali on Iranian state television, March 11, 2026

from Iran withdraws from 2026 World Cup after U.S.-Israeli strikes kill supreme leader · Updated May 30

"The players have no safety, and the conditions for participation simply don't exist." — Ahmad Donyamali, March 11, 2026

from Iran withdraws from 2026 World Cup after U.S.-Israeli strikes kill supreme leader · Updated May 30