Iran 'unlikely' to play at 2026 World Cup as statement released and who could replace them

Iran are unlikely to play at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, according to their football federation president.

Iran have already qualified for the tournament this summer and were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

However, their place at the World Cup is in serious doubt following US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

The US and Israel described the attacks as a 'pre-emptive' strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.

Saturday's attack prompted retaliation from Iran, with strikes reported in several Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Richard Keys was taken off air by beIN Sports after explosions were heard in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness said he was currently stuck in Abu Dhabi following the attacks.

Iran at the World Cup?

Iran qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup in March 2025 and were included in December's draw in Washington.

They are due to play all three of their matches on US soil.

The first against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles and then Belgium on June 21.

They then are due to travel to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26.

However, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said they are unlikely to play but no official withdrawal has taken place.

Speaking on Tehran (Iranian public television) Taj said: "With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup, but the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that."

Who could replace Iran?

Iraq are due to compete in a continental play-off against Bolivia or Suriname later this year to fight for a place at the World Cup.

It is possible Iraq could be elevated to the World Cup, with the United Arab Emirates replacing them in the play-offs.

What has FIFA said?

FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom spoke to the media on Saturday as the International Football Association Board (IFAB) met in Wales.

He said that FIFA was monitoring the situation.

"I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did," Grafstrom said.

"We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.

"We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating.

"We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe."

talkSPORT verdict

Shaun Custis and Henry Winter discussed the matter on talkSPORT's Sunday Edition, as questions were raised about the tournament itself.

One of the host countries, Mexico, has seen violence across the country in recent days.

Custis told Sunday Edition: “I do think there are going to be large questions being asked about it [the tournament going ahead] because the world is pretty volatile right now and we have this situation and what's going on in Mexico with a drug cartel.

“There was talk about can you really stage the first game in Mexico? World events are moving quite fast with this is day one the first full day of reaction to it and already it looks like we're going to lose one of the countries.”

Henry Winter said: "It's going to be interesting to see whether Iran are either excluded or do pull out whether it's the UAE or Iraq.

“I mean that's going to be so. They will be replaced and and to your broader point the World Cup will go ahead.”

He added: “We've been down this road many times. The build up to Argentina ‘78. That was a military dictatorship and that went ahead. We have had this before tournaments. I mean completely different level although it was pretty grim to be around at the time.

“Shortly before the London Olympics there were riots in London. There have often been issues going on, but this is unprecedented and we cannot predict exactly what's going to happen.

“It's absolutely huge and it puts football into perspective. But what I'm saying is that you can't say the World Cup's going to be scrapped today.

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