Iran has announced it will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even after US President Donald Trump reportedly told officials that the country would be welcome to play matches in the United States.

The decision comes during rising tensions after the United States and Israel carried out joint military strikes on Iran. The attacks have intensified conflict and political anger inside the country.

According to CBS News, President Trump met FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA task force, to discuss the situation surrounding the upcoming World Cup.

The military campaign was called Operation Epic Fury by the United States and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel. Reports say the attacks killed more than 1,000 people in Iran, including the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Also Read: Indian woman fasting for Ramazan dies after mob assault in Bihar

After meeting Trump, Infantino posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever.”

However, Iran’s sports minister quickly rejected the idea of taking part in the global tournament.

He said, “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”

It is still unclear whether another team will replace Iran in the competition or if teams scheduled to play against Iran will automatically receive points.

The development follows reports that Donald Trump offered asylum to Iran’s women’s football team, which was in Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.