Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali stated on March 11 that the Iranian national football team will not participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
"Considering that this corrupt regime (the US) has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," the minister said.
However, it remains unclear whether this statement represents Iran's final decision, as reported by multiple media outlets.
Earlier on the same day, FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared on his social media account that he had discussed Iran's participation in the World Cup during a meeting with US President Donald Trump. According to Infantino, Trump expressed his willingness to welcome the Iranian team to the US for the competition.
On Feb. 28, the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, escalating tensions between the countries. Following these attacks, Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated on March 1, "After this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope."
Iran is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, with all three group-stage matches scheduled to take place in the US.
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