Iran Boycotts 2026 World Cup After Ayatollah's Death

0:00On March 11th, Iran's sports minister announced this week that the country will skip the 2026 World Cup, blaming airstrikes by the United States and Israel that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Kamanay. The strikes hit nearly two weeks ago, sparking a broader conflict across the Gulf region and putting co-hosts United States in direct opposition to Iran. Officials say the decision stems from safety risks for their players amid ongoing wars with thousands of Iranian lives lost in recent months. All three of Iran's Group G matches against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand were scheduled in the U.S., two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Iran also boycotted a key FIFA planning summit last week in Atlanta, and organizers have yet to respond as the tournament nears next June.