World Cup 2026: Iraq Qualify But Iran’s Uncertainty Lingers

After a grueling 23-match campaign and a 25-hour travel ordeal, Iraq have finally secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup, marking their return to the global stage after three decades. The team, guided by Australian tactician Graham Arnold, triumphed in a decisive 2-1 playoff against Bolivia at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, sparking jubilant nationwide reactions.

The journey to qualification was far from smooth, with logistical hurdles including a rejected postponement request and the disruption of air travel due to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Some players were forced to traverse the region by land, adding to the challenges. Arnold expressed pride in his squad’s resilience, stating,

“Delighted for the players, very good boys, very happy for the 46 million Iraqis. Hopefully it will help change the perception of Iraq and the football in Iraq. Doing something in the World Cup nobody expects us to do. Let’s shock the world.”

Despite the war claiming over 100 lives, the nation celebrated the victory with a two-day holiday, showcasing unity in the face of adversity. Fan Ali al-Muhandis remarked to AFP,

“Despite the dire economic situation and the war, our national team won. We in Iraq excel in exceptional circumstances. We are living through a war that has nothing to do with us, because it’s between Iran, America and Israel.”

Iran’s Participation in Question

Iran’s looming uncertainty casts a shadow over the tournament. The Iranian federation has consistently voiced concerns about their participation, pushing for games to be relocated from the USA to Mexico. This comes amid a series of protests, including a powerful display during their 5-0 win over Costa Rica in Turkey, where players held images of children killed in US and Israeli strikes during the national anthem. This was the second such protest in their March international friendlies, following a similar gesture with black armbands symbolizing the victims of a primary school attack.

Their women’s team also protested during the Asian Cup in Australia, with several players seeking asylum and others later retracting their stance. Despite these tensions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remained steadfast, asserting at halftime,

“Iran will be at the World Cup. That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy. I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine.”

Potential Replacement and Other Playoff Winners

FIFA’s latest announcement confirms the tournament’s lineup, with six teams securing remaining spots. However, the possibility of Iran’s withdrawal leaves the UAE as a potential replacement, given Iraq’s playoff success. While the other five qualifiers—Czech Republic, Turkey, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one more—secured their places, Bosnia’s penalty shootout victory over Italy in the final match sparked emotional celebrations in Sarajevo.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic strains between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump, who recently received FIFA’s Peace Prize, suggested last month that Iran should avoid traveling for their safety. Meanwhile, Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, declared,

“Under no circumstances can we participate,”

while the team’s Instagram account affirmed,

“No one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”

The final outcome hinges on FIFA’s ability to navigate this political landscape without compromise.