FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran refuses to play; Trump rolls out welcome mat anyway

 Iran’s sports minister declared the nation will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the US “assassination” of their leader and recent “malicious actions.” This follows similar sentiments from the Iranian Football Federation president. FIFA’s president had previously stated the Iranian team would be welcomed in the US, which is co-hosting the tournament. Iran’s sports minister declared the nation will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the US “assassination” of their leader and recent “malicious actions.” This follows similar sentiments from the Iranian Football Federation president. FIFA’s president had previously stated the Iranian team would be welcomed in the US, which is co-hosting the tournament.