The World Cup 2026 qualifiers are almost done and dusted, but several countries that have earned their spots could miss out on the showpiece event in Canada, Mexico, and the United States due to things beyond their control.
Iran, which secured their spot in the Asian qualifiers, will likely withdraw given their ongoing war with the United States. The war has spilled over in the Middle East, which has severely affected logistics and most of the world’s oil supply, as Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely. Furthermore, Iran’s war with the United States also has a ripple effect on Iraq, whose Mesopotamian Lions are trying to catch one of the last few spots in the quadrennial event.
Elsewhere, Morocco, which overachieved at the 2022 World Cup, announced that they’ll roll with a new head coach following the sudden departure of Walid Regragui.
Here are some of the notable World Cup 2026 updates, courtesy of SBOTOP.
Iran face ultimatum from FIFA amid withdrawal plans
Iran were among the first teams to secure their World Cup 2026 berth after topping Groups E and A during the second and third rounds of the Asian qualifiers last year, notching only one defeat in 16 matches. After booking their tickets to the showpiece event, Amir Ghalenoei’s men are bunched alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in Group G, and they could face the United States in the knockout stage if they secure a Top 2 berth.
But football federation president Mehdi Taj cast doubt on Iran’s involvement last week by saying, “We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.” What’s ironic is that Iranians are barred from entering the United States under a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration last June, except for the athletes involved in the World Cup or the 2028 Olympics.
Pulling out may not be straightforward since Iran could face disciplinary action from FIFA, including a potential ban from future tournaments. Under FIFA statutes, member associations are not allowed to withdraw from competitions, and doing so in a World Cup in the modern era would set a dangerous precedent. No country has withdrawn from the showpiece event after the draw since India and France did not take part in 1950, citing travel costs.
Iran war might cost Iraq their World Cup berth
Iran’s war with the United States could cost Iraq a berth in the World Cup 2026. Unlike Iran, Iraq must defy the World Cup 2026 odds by navigating through the inter-confederation play-offs to qualify, as they didn’t secure their spot in the earlier rounds of the Asian qualifiers. Graham Arnold’s side had to go through the fourth and fifth rounds, eventually defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 in the fifth to get the last Asian spot.
Iraq are waiting for the winner between Suriname and Bolivia, and they will face them on March 31 in Monterrey. However, given the war in Iran, Iraq could be stuck until April 1, the day after the inter-confederation play-off match is due to be played, because the airspace above their country has been shut down.
The Iraq Football Association (IFA) has formally requested FIFA to delay the play-off match to allow the team to travel to Mexico, and the world soccer governing body will likely decide by the end of this week. With the airspace closed, the only remotely viable solution is to bus the players and coaches out of Iraq, but Arnold isn’t risking it.
Moreover, Arnold proposed that Iraq must take Iran’s World Cup spot if Iraq withdraw, since FIFA must find a replacement. This is the best-case scenario for Iraq to spare themselves from the logistical hassle of going to Mexico.
Morocco announce new head coach
Morocco confirmed last week that they have parted ways with head coach Walid Regragui, replacing him with Mohamed Ouahbi, who is stepping up from their U-23 side, eerily similar to what happened to Regragui three months before the 2022 World Cup.
Regragui, 50, led the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals at the showpiece event in Qatar four years ago, becoming the first African side to progress to the final four. After beating Spain and Portugal in the knockouts, Morocco eventually lost to the finalists, France.
After their fourth-placed finish, Morocco also reached the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil but lost 1-0 to Senegal after extra time. Regragui had been under immense pressure to deliver a first continental title since 1976, as it was speculated that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) planned to make a change.
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