Iran has withdrawn from the FIFA World Cup, citing the assassination of its leader. The decision comes just three months before the tournament, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is set to begin. The country's sports minister stated that "under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup" and that the country's "corrupt government" prevented them from participating. There are rumours of a contingency plan that would see Iraq, the highest-ranked Asian team, replace Iran.