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It doesn’t appear Iran will be coming to the United States for the World Cup this season.
On Saturday morning, the United States and Israel delivered a surprise attack on Iran that killed from top level Iranian leaders.
According to reports from Israel, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed during the attack.
President Trump went on to confirm Khamenei’s death.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/oXZTFGg5pS
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026
Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj spoke in Tehran and revealed that the country would likely withdraw from the World Cup in the United States, where Iran is scheduled to play three games.
Via Marca
“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,” said Taj.
Sportsbible reports that the UAE would likely replace Iran if they pull out from the tournament.
Should Iran be made to withdraw from the World Cup, it is expected that they would be replaced by the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE actually finished with a worse record than Iraq in Asian qualifying, but Iraq are already set to compete in continental play-off against either Bolivia or Suriname later in the spring.
It is also possible that Iraq could take Iran’s place at the World Cup, with the UAE replacing Iraq in the play-off match.