Iran withdraws from 2026 World Cup after US-Israel attack

Iraq and UAE emerge as top candidates to replace Iran in the expanded 48-team tournament

Mar. 3, 2026 at 11:38pm

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Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States and Israel launched a military attack on the country in early March. With the tournament just months away, FIFA is now looking to replace Iran in the 48-team field, with Iraq and the United Arab Emirates emerging as the top contenders from the Asian Football Confederation.

Why it matters

The fallout from geopolitical events has often impacted the World Cup, and the situation with Iran is the latest example. The decision by Iran to withdraw raises questions about the stability of the tournament and whether other teams could follow suit. Additionally, the inclusion of Iraq or UAE would shift the competitive landscape of the World Cup, potentially impacting the dynamics of the groups and the tournament overall.

The details

Iran, a three-time Asian champion, had qualified for Group G of the 2026 World Cup, where they were set to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. However, reports suggest the Iranian national team has pulled out of the tournament following the military attack by the US and Israel. While Iranian officials have provided conflicting statements, with the president of the country's football federation saying participation is "unlikely" and the ambassador to Spain insisting Iran "will go to the World Cup", the team's absence from a recent FIFA planning event in Atlanta indicates the withdrawal is likely to move forward.

  • On March 1, Iranian media reported that the national team had withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup.
  • On March 2, the Iranian ambassador to Spain said the country "will go to the World Cup" and has "no problem" with the tournament being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
  • On March 3, US President Trump stated he "really doesn't care" if Iran participates, calling the country "a very badly defeated country".

The players

Mehdi Taj

President of Iran's football federation, who was quoted as saying Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is "unlikely".

Reza Zabib

The Iranian ambassador to Spain, who insisted that "Iran will go to the World Cup" and has "no problem" with the tournament being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who stated he "really doesn't care" if Iran participates in the 2026 World Cup, calling the country "a very badly defeated country".

Iraq

A potential replacement for Iran at the 2026 World Cup, having won the AFC World Cup qualifying playoff over the UAE.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Another potential replacement for Iran, having finished third in the AFC qualification third round group behind Iran and Uzbekistan.

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What they’re saying

“Iran will go to the World Cup; we have the right to be there. We have no problem [with the World Cup being in USA]; we will go.”

— Reza Zabib, Iranian ambassador to Spain

“I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

If Iran's withdrawal is confirmed, FIFA will need to quickly determine a replacement team, likely from the Asian Football Confederation. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates appear to be the top candidates, with their positions dependent on the outcome of the upcoming intercontinental playoff.

The takeaway

The potential withdrawal of Iran from the 2026 World Cup highlights the delicate balance between geopolitics and international sports competitions. FIFA will need to act swiftly to find a suitable replacement, while also considering the broader implications of this decision on the tournament's integrity and competitiveness.