Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been thrown into doubt after the country’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali indicated that the national team may not take part in the tournament.
The minister said it would be impossible for the Iran national football team to compete in a World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada following airstrikes by the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sparked wider regional conflict.
Although Iran has not officially withdrawn from the tournament, the development has raised concerns for FIFA, which may have to consider replacing the Asian side if they decide not to participate.
Iran had already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament after topping their qualifying group and were scheduled to begin their campaign against the New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles.
FIFA has yet to comment on the situation, but tournament regulations allow the governing body to select a replacement team if a qualified nation withdraws.
Should Iran withdraw, the Asian Football Confederation is expected to push for a replacement from Asia, given the region’s qualification structure.
Among the teams potentially affected is Iraq national football team, who are scheduled to compete in the intercontinental playoffs in Monterrey, Mexico, later this month for a place in the tournament.
Iraq’s head coach Graham Arnold has already asked FIFA to postpone the playoff match because the conflict has disrupted travel across the Middle East. Arnold suggested delaying the fixture until closer to the World Cup, which could also give FIFA more time to clarify Iran’s status.
With the final qualification playoffs set to conclude later this month, experts believe FIFA is unlikely to make a decision until early April as it assesses the evolving geopolitical situation and its implications for the World Cup.
