Iran has officially announced its withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of their leader. The decision was confirmed by Iran's Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali.

• Iran cited the death of their leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a primary reason for withdrawal.
• The withdrawal was announced by Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali on state television.
• The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11th to July 19th.