Iran in FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran national football team might not play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup even though the team has already qualified. The tournament will be hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iran’s sports minister recently said that leaving the tournament is possible. Because of this statement the future of the team in the competition is now uncertain.
Iran has already secured a place in the expanded World Cup which will have 48 teams. The team is currently placed in Group G with Belgium national football team, Egypt national football team and New Zealand national football team.
If Iran decides not to play then FIFA will have to choose another team from the Asian Football Confederation to take the spot.
What FIFA Rules Say About Withdrawal?
FIFA has very clear rules about teams leaving the tournament. The organisation explained these rules in its official World Cup regulations.
Article 6.5 says, “If a Participating Member Association withdraws or a match cannot be played or is abandoned as a result of force majeure, the authorised FIFA organising body (including the Tournament Operation Centre) shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary.”
Another rule also explains what could happen next. Regulation 6.7 states, “FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
This means FIFA has the final decision on how to handle the situation and which team might replace Iran if it withdraws.
Financial Penalties
FIFA also places strict financial punishments on teams that decide to leave the World Cup. These penalties depend on when the team withdraws.
- Withdrawal more than 30 days before the first match: Minimum fine of $300,000 (€275,000).
- Withdrawal within 30 days of kickoff: Minimum fine doubles to $600,000 (€550,000).
Repayment of FIFA Funds
If a team pulls out of the World Cup it must also return the money that FIFA gave to help prepare for the tournament.
- Return all FIFA funding received for World Cup preparation.
- Repay any competition-related contributions already distributed.
Additional Disciplinary Measures
Besides financial penalties FIFA may also take other disciplinary actions depending on the situation.
- Suspension from future FIFA competitions
- Replacement by another federation
- Additional penalties based on the severity of the situation
Why Iran is Considering Withdrawal?
Until recently officials in Iran said the team would definitely take part in the World Cup. Iran’s ambassador to Spain even said, “We will go to the World Cup; we have the right to be there. We have no problems.”
But the situation changed after comments made by Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali. During a television appearance he said, “Since this corrupt government murdered our leader, we are not in a position to participate in the World Cup.”
His statement refers to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader during rising tensions in the Middle East. The conflict has also caused travel restrictions from the United States that may affect Iranian fans.
Who would replace Iran?
Asia has eight World Cup slots. The qualified teams are:
- Saudi Arabia
- Australia
- Qatara
- South Korea
- Uzbekistan
- Japan
- Jordan
- Iran
If Iran withdraws, the replacement must come from the AFC.
Iraq Could be a Possible Replacement Teams
If Iran leaves the tournament another team from Asia will likely take its place. One possible replacement is Iraq national football team.
Iraq is scheduled to play in Intercontinental Playoff B. The match will happen on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. Iraq will face the winner of the match between Bolivia national football team and Suriname national football team.
If Iraq does not qualify through that playoff it could become the main option to replace Iran because it advanced the furthest among Asian teams that did not get a direct World Cup place.
However Iraq has asked for a delay of the playoff because travel in the region has become difficult due to the conflict.
If Iraq qualifies directly through the playoff then another team becomes the next option. That team is the United Arab Emirates national football team which lost to Iraq in the final Asian playoff stage.
Similar Situation in FIFA Before
A similar case happened earlier during the FIFA Club World Cup. Mexican club Club León was removed from the tournament because it had the same ownership as CF Pachuca.
To fill the empty spot FIFA organised a playoff match between Los Angeles FC and Club América. Los Angeles FC won the game and took the final place in the tournament.
