The Iranian government said Wednesday that the country will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite already securing qualification for the tournament, which will be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said the national team will not participate in the competition amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the country.
“Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have absolutely no intention of taking part in the World Cup,” Donyamali said in remarks broadcast on Iranian television.
Iran had already qualified for the tournament and was placed in Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
FIFA yet to clarify replacement scenario
World soccer’s governing body, FIFA, has not yet issued an official decision regarding how the vacant spot would be filled if Iran’s withdrawal is confirmed. Several scenarios are being discussed based on the current World Cup qualification structure.
One possible replacement is Iraq, which is already through to the final round of the intercontinental playoffs and is currently ranked 58th in the FIFA rankings. Iraq is also the only team still competing for a World Cup berth from the same confederation as Iran, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), a factor that could weigh in FIFA’s decision.
The final outcome could also depend on the results of the intercontinental playoffs. Iraq is expected to face the winner of the semifinal between Bolivia and Suriname in the decisive match for a World Cup place.
If Iraq qualifies through that match, other teams could be considered as replacements for Iran. One possibility is the United Arab Emirates, the next-highest ranked Asian team outside the current qualifiers. Another candidate mentioned in international media reports is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is ranked higher globally and is also involved in the playoff stage.
Regional tensions complicate the situation
The situation has become more complicated after Iraq’s football federation formally requested that FIFA postpone the decisive playoff match.
According to international media reports, the Iraqi team is facing difficulties leaving the country due to airspace restrictions linked to regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The decisive playoff match had been scheduled for March 31, but the ongoing situation could force FIFA to determine sooner which team would replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup if the withdrawal is officially confirmed.
