Iran Joins Rare List: 5 Countries That Pulled Out of the World Cup After Making It

By Viralbuzzs On Mar 14, 2026

Following Iran’s announcement that it will boycott the 2026 World Cup amid its conflict with the US and Israel, CompleteSports examines five nations that previously withdrew after qualifying. Iran, drawn in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, becomes the latest in a list that includes:

Uruguay (1934) – Refused to defend their title in Italy, protesting European teams’ absence from the 1930 tournament.
Austria (1938) – Withdrew after Nazi Germany annexed the country; some players joined the German squad.
France (1950) – Initially accepted Turkey’s place but withdrew over excessive travel requirements between venues.
India (1950) – Pulled out due to travel costs despite FIFA offering expenses; barefoot-playing ban rumors denied by captain.
Turkey (1950) – Qualified but withdrew citing financial difficulties and travel costs to South America.

Iran joins a rare list of nations who qualified but said no, from Uruguay’s protest to Austria’s annexation, the World Cup stage has seen players, and then watched them walk away.

Sources: Historical Records

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