World Cup: FIFA To Replace Iran After Withdrawal
FIFA has begun exploring replacements for Iran at the 2026 World Cup following the country’s withdrawal, the UK Mirror reports.
The tournament, set to be hosted mainly in the United States, has been disrupted after missile attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and damaged parts of Tehran.
Iran had topped their Asian qualifying group, leaving FIFA to consider which nation should take their place in a group that includes Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand.
One option is to fast-track the United Arab Emirates, who finished second in the group, although they lost to Iraq in the match determining who would advance to the intercontinental play-off.
Iraq will now face the winner of the Bolivia–Suriname play-off for a World Cup spot.
Discussions are ongoing about whether Iraq could be awarded a direct entry as Iran’s replacement, which would push the UAE back into the play-off.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
