If Iran Withdraws, Who Replaces Them at World Cup 2026?

Iran’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has come under question following escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.

Iran had qualified for the tournament by finishing top of Group A in Asia’s third qualifying round. However, recent developments have raised doubts about whether the team will ultimately compete in the expanded 2026 edition, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Official Position So Far

According to reports, a FIFA official has indicated that tournament plans remain unchanged for now. Meanwhile, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj reportedly told local media that the current situation has made it difficult to look ahead to the tournament with certainty.

The United States government has placed travel restrictions on Iranian nationals, though sports teams are reportedly exempt under current provisions.

As of now, no formal withdrawal has been announced.

What FIFA Regulations Say

Under FIFA’s regulations, if a qualified team withdraws or is excluded before the tournament, the governing body has the authority to decide the next course of action.

According to Regulation 6.5, FIFA’s organising body may determine how to proceed in cases of withdrawal or force majeure.

Regulation 6.7 further states that FIFA may replace a withdrawn team with another member association at its discretion.

This means any decision would ultimately rest with FIFA, based on sporting merit and competition structure.

Possible Replacement Scenarios

Iran secured qualification by winning its group in Asia’s third round. Uzbekistan, which finished second, also qualified automatically.

Teams finishing third and fourth — including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar — progressed to the next qualifying stage. Qatar advanced from that round.

Iraq earned a place in the intercontinental playoff after defeating the UAE in a regional playoff. Iraq is scheduled to compete in the intercontinental playoff against either Bolivia or Suriname for a potential World Cup berth.

If Iran were to withdraw, FIFA could consider promoting the next-best performing team from the Asian qualification pathway. Based on the structure, this could involve Iraq or the UAE, depending on final playoff outcomes and FIFA’s discretionary decision.

However, no official indication has been given that such a replacement process has been triggered.

Tournament Hosts and Assurances

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2018, US authorities had stated that all eligible teams and officials would be able to participate in the tournament.

At this stage, tournament organisers have not announced any changes to the qualified teams list.

What Happens Next?

Until an official withdrawal or exclusion is confirmed, Iran remains a qualified participant in the 2026 World Cup.

If circumstances change, FIFA’s regulations provide flexibility to either replace the team or adjust tournament arrangements.

For now, the focus remains on official communication from governing bodies as the global football calendar moves closer to the expanded 48-team tournament.