FIFA is set to consider possible replacements for Iran at the 2026 World Cup after the country reportedly withdrew from the tournament following recent US–Israeli airstrikes, according to the Daily Mirror.
The 2026 World Cup will be played largely in the United States, and political tensions linked to decisions by US President Donald Trump are said to have affected the football landscape.
During the conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed in missile strikes that also caused damage in the capital, Tehran.
With Iran expected to pull out, FIFA must now find a replacement to fill the World Cup group that includes Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand.
Iran had finished top of their Asian qualifying group, but one option being considered is fast-tracking the United Arab Emirates into the tournament after they placed second.
However, the UAE lost to Iraq in the match that determined which team would advance to the intercontinental play-off.
Iraq is currently scheduled to face the winner of the play-off between Bolivia and Suriname for a place at the World Cup. The situation has complicated the qualification process, with some suggesting FIFA could award Iraq a direct spot as Iran’s replacement, leaving the UAE to contest the intercontinental play-off instead.