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Iran cannot compete at World Cup, Iranian sports minister says

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Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following airstrikes against the country by the United States and Israel, the Iranian sports minister said Wednesday.

"Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Ahmad Donyamali reportedly told Iranian state television.

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Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the first day of attacks.