Iran has finally pulled out of 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the current security situation and tensions with the United States make it impossible for the country to take take part.
He added that ongoing conflicts in recent months have resulted in thousands of deaths, leaving no realistic conditions for Iran to participate in the tournament.
Iran qualified for the World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to June 18, 2026. The team is due to play its three group-stage games against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in U.S cities -the first two in Inglewood, California, and the third in Seattle.
Tehran says its men’s national team cannot play in the U.S -hosted tournament after the killing of her Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has also hinted at possible boycott following recent events involving the women’s national team at the Asian Cup in Australia after receiving humanitarian visas from the government.
U.S President Donald Trump had said he would offer such visas if Australia did not grant them.
Logically, Iraq or the United Arab Emirates could replace Iran.
For the context, Iraq currently has a playoff against the winner of Suriname vs Bolivia. If the Iraqis win, they will qualify for the World Cup, and United Arab Emirates could then be selected as the replacement.
If Iraq loses, they themselves could be chosen to replace Iran in Group C alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt.
-9News Nigeria.
