Iran's sports minister says country can't take part in World Cup because of U.S. attacks

PBS NewsHour
by Associated Press
March 11, 2026
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2 min read

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Iran's sports minister said the country cannot participate in the World Cup due to U.S. attacks.

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Iran's Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that the country cannot participate in the World Cup because its soccer team players are not safe in the U.S. This announcement was made on state television, according to a video of an interview posted Tuesday. The World Cup is expected to be held across North America in June.

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