Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI)

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Has not filed formal withdrawal paperwork with FIFA

Iran qualified as a non-host nation for the 2026 World Cup, then withdrew a year later—the first qualified nation in the modern era to do so for political reasons. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the withdrawal three months after U.S.-Israeli military strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and devastated the country's military infrastructure.

Updated May 30