Iran withdraws From 2026 World Cup Qualifying Draw
TEHRAN, November 28, 2025 – Iran has announced its withdrawal from the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying competition, citing ongoing disputes with FIFA regarding rules and regulations. The decision, confirmed by the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) earlier today, throws the qualifying process for the expanded 48-team tournament into uncertainty.
The IFF’s move stems from disagreements over recently implemented FIFA regulations, which iranian officials have likened to unacceptable interference in national football governance. These rules, impacting club licensing and player eligibility, have been a source of friction for months, culminating in the IFF’s decision to abstain from the draw scheduled for November 30th in Kuala Lumpur. This withdrawal impacts the composition of qualifying groups and possibly delays the start of the Asian qualifying campaign.
the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and mexico, will feature an unprecedented 48 teams, increasing the number of qualifying spots available to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nations. Typically, the draw determines the pathways for teams to compete for these coveted berths. Iran, a consistent participant in world Cup qualifying and a five-time World Cup finalist, has consistently been among Asia’s strongest contenders.
The IFF has stated it remains open to dialog with FIFA to resolve the outstanding issues, but insists on maintaining its autonomy in managing Iranian football. FIFA has yet to issue a formal response to Iran’s withdrawal, but sources indicate discussions are underway to mitigate the impact on the qualifying schedule. The AFC is expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the situation and determine the next steps.
