List of Countries That Have Boycotted FIFA World Cup

Iran might be on the brink of boycotting the 2026 World Cup following escalating tensions in the Middle East due to a US-Israeli-backed bombing campaign. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during the airstrikes, sparking questions about the country’s involvement in the forthcoming World Cup.

Despite topping their group in Asian qualifying, reports emerging from Iran following the recent attack suggest they’re contemplating withdrawal. This would pose a significant problem for FIFA’s top brass, particularly as no qualified nation has ever boycotted the World Cup for political reasons.

That’s not to say nations haven’t withdrawn from qualifying for political reasons, or even the main tournament for other motives.

With rumours that Iran could boycott the 2026 edition, the Mirror has highlighted past instances of countries withdrawing from World Cup events due to political circumstances.

Uruguay withdraw from 1934 World Cup

Uruguay were the reigning World Champions going into the second iteration of the tournament in 1934. However, despite receiving an invitation, they pulled out in protest at several European teams not travelling to South America for the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay.

The 1934 World Cup remains the only one where the defending champions didn’t participate.

Austria pull out of 1938 World Cup

Austria were among the favourites for the 1938 tournament, but due to Nazi forces annexing the country by the time the competition came around, they couldn’t participate.

Some Austrian players joined the German squad for the tournament, but this didn’t include star player Matthias Sindelar, who declined to represent the Nazi-led nation.

India withdraw after ‘barefoot’ claim

India has only managed to qualify for one World Cup, but the Asian country has never had the opportunity to compete. This was in 1950, when withdrawals from qualifying saw India advance to the finals by default, but they opted not to attend the tournament.

Contrary to widespread belief, it wasn’t because FIFA prohibited barefoot play (as India had done at the Olympics two years prior), but rather due to travel expenses, training time, and team selection issues.

1966 World Cup saw no African teams participating

The 1966 tournament is fondly remembered in England, but one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the absence of African teams.

This was due to African teams boycotting the qualifying rounds in protest against FIFA’s decision to allocate only one combined spot for the African, Asian and Oceania confederations.

Chile qualify for 1974 World Cup following ghost game

The nearest we’ve witnessed to a qualified nation boycotting the World Cup finals on political grounds occurred in the intercontinental playoff between Chile and the Soviet Union in 1973. Going into the second leg staged in Santiago, the Soviet Union declined to take part in the fixture in protest of Augusto Pinochet’s ruthless dictatorship.

He had toppled the socialist government, transforming Chile from a former Soviet ally into an adversary. Consequently, the Chilean players entered the pitch alone, with captain Francisco Valdes netting into an empty goal before the match was called off.

2022 World Cup protests

In more recent years, there have been very few boycott threats, but tensions did emerge during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. All 32 qualified teams participated in the tournament, but there were demonstrations from some players concerning alleged human rights violations and the nation’s controversial LGBT record.