FIFA Looks for Replacement as Iran Withdraws from 2026 World Cup
FIFA is set to consider replacements for Iran at the 2026 World Cup after the country announced its withdrawal following a series of devastating US-Israeli airstrikes. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and caused significant damage to parts of the capital, Tehran.
Iran had finished top of their Asian qualifying group, which includes Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand, securing a place in the tournament largely hosted in the United States.
With Iran’s exit, FIFA is exploring options to fill the vacant spot. One possibility is Iraq, which defeated the UAE in a qualifying play-off. Another option is to fast-track the UAE, which finished second in the Asian qualification group, although it lost the crucial match against Iraq.
The situation could also affect intercontinental play-offs, with Iraq potentially facing the winner of the Bolivia vs Suriname fixture for a World Cup berth.
FIFA has yet to announce a formal decision, leaving the tournament draw and group stage fixtures in uncertainty.
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