Baghdad: Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing uncertainty as conflicting reports emerge regarding the national team's potential withdrawal.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Iranian media outlets have dismissed rumors about the country's official withdrawal from the tournament, emphasizing that such claims are inaccurate. These reports clarified that the statements were merely speculative remarks by the Iranian Minister of Youth and Sports, who mentioned the possibility of not participating due to the ongoing conflict in the region, without any formal decision being made.
The Iranian media stressed that FIFA operates based on official communications from national football federations and not government positions. As of now, the Iranian Football Federation has not submitted any official letter indicating a withdrawal from the World Cup. Earlier, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donjamali expressed doubts about Iran's participation in the World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, attributing his concerns to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In a televised interview on a Dutch channel, Donjamali stated, "Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, there are no circumstances that would allow us to participate in the World Cup," highlighting the recent wars that have heavily impacted the country. Despite these tensions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that US President Donald Trump is amenable to Iran's participation in the tournament. Iran is set to compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with all their group matches scheduled in the United States.
If Iran proceeds with participation, they could potentially face the United States in the Round of 16, contingent upon both teams finishing second in their respective groups. Meanwhile, the Iraqi national football team, led by coach Graham Arnold, is preparing for the possibility of Iran's withdrawal. Iraq, having not qualified directly for the World Cup, is set to compete in the intercontinental playoff against Suriname or Bolivia in late March.
Arnold has requested FIFA to delay the playoff final until just before the World Cup, suggesting that Iraq could replace Iran should they withdraw. The UAE is also preparing for an additional playoff. FIFA's stance remains uncertain regarding the potential postponement of playoffs or the prospect of allowing Iraq to directly replace Iran in the tournament.