"Saturday marks 100 days from what should be the start of Iran's World Cup, a Group G fixture against New Zealand in Inglewood, near Los Angeles. As the United States bombs Iran and Iran bombs a range of countries, including three that have also qualified it seems all but impossible that they can take part in the tournament."
"Were Iran to pull out or be expelled, they would become the first qualified nation since India and France in 1950 not to take up their place. Neither withdrawal in 1950 was political (in truth, saying there were two withdrawals is a technicality; those were chaotic years for qualification)."
"India pulled out not, as has often been claimed, because they were banned from playing barefoot, but because they couldn't afford the trip. With Scotland declining to take up the berth they were entitled to having finished second in the British Home Championship and Turkey scratching after being offered qualification when Austria pulled out, France were one of three sides invited to make up the numbers."
Iran faces potential withdrawal or expulsion from the 2026 World Cup amid military tensions with the United States and regional conflicts. If Iran does not participate, they would become the first qualified nation since 1950 to miss the tournament. Historical precedent exists: India withdrew in 1950 due to financial constraints, while France pulled out after realizing travel costs. The 1950 World Cup saw multiple withdrawals and invitations to fill spots, creating a chaotic qualification process. The 2026 situation more closely resembles the geopolitical disruptions of 1938 and 1974 World Cups than the 1950 tournament, reflecting how international conflicts have historically impacted World Cup participation.
#world-cup-2026 #iran-geopolitical-crisis #tournament-participation #historical-world-cup-withdrawals #international-conflict-impact-on-sports
Read at www.theguardian.com
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