What happens if Iran withdraw from 2026 World Cup? Possible replacements under FIFA rules

Iran qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning Group A in Asia's third qualifying round.

Updated on: Mar 2, 2026, 20:21:23 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Iran's participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is highly doubtful. The development comes after US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which also killed the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The events have raised questions about Iran's participation in the tournament, or whether they will be allowed to participate by the US government. The upcoming World Cup is being hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico.

President of Iran Football Federation Mehdi Taj and Mayor of Tehran Alireza Zakani stand next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran. (via REUTERS)

The US government has already banned Iranian nationals from travelling to the United States, with an exemption for sports teams. Meanwhile, according to a report by The Athletic, a FIFA official has claimed that the World Cup plans haven't changed.

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On the other hand, the Iranian football federation's chief, Mehdi Taj, informed local state media that due to the attack, "we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope." He also informed that "sports chiefs" would make a decision on World Cup participation.

In 2018, a month before US, Canada and Mexico were handed the hosting rights, Donald Trump signed a letter which stated, "I am confident that the United States would host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a similarly open and festive manner, and that all eligible athletes, officials and fans from all countries around the world would be able to enter the United States without discrimination."

FIFA Regulations

If Iran withdraws from the World Cup, FIFA is expected to select a replacement team or adjust the tournament accordingly. FIFA Regulation 6.5 states, "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."

Meanwhile, Regulation 6.7 states, "If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary. FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association."

Possible replacements

Iran qualified for the World Cup by winning Group A in Asia's third qualifying round. Uzbekistan, which finished second, also bagged an automatic berth. Meanwhile, the third and fourth-placed sides, UAE and Qatar, entered the fourth round, where Qatar got the qualification. The UAE lost a playoff to Iraq, who earned a spot in the intercontinental playoff in Mexico later this month. Iraq will take on either Bolivia or Suriname in the match. If Iraq win, then the UAE will be the next potential replacement for Iran.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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