What Happens If Iran Pulls Out of the 2026 World Cup? Possible Replacements Explained

Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup last year after finishing first in Group A of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Iran is expected to be in Group G of the 2026 World Cup with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, but their participation at the summer tournament may be at risk.

Due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, many rumors suggest that Iran will not participate in the World Cup.

The Sports Minister of Iran, Ahmad Doyanmali, says the security conditions or relations with the United States are not in place, hence suggesting that they shouldn't participate in the 2026 World Cup.

In a statement, Ahmad Doyanmali wrote, "There are no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup. Two wars have been imposed on us in eight or nine months... Therefore, we have no chance of participating in this way."

In case Iran does not participate in the World Cup, their replacement will have to be a team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that played in the World Cup qualifiers.

Two Teams Likely to Replace Iran at 2026 World Cup
The two AFC national teams that are likely to replace Iran in the World Cup in case of a pullout are Iraq or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Iraq is the most likely team to directly replace Iran after Iraq qualified for the World Cup inter-confederation qualifiers this month.

Iraq will play Bolivia or Suriname for a direct spot in the World Cup. In case Iran needs to be replaced, Iraq could take Iran's spot, while the UAE can take Iraq's spot in the World Cup inter-confederation qualifiers.

According to section 6.7 of the official regulations for the 2026 World Cup, football's governing body has the absolute authority to decide how to proceed if a federation withdraws or is excluded before the tournament begins.

FIFA 6.7: "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."

The text specifies that FIFA will decide at its sole discretion and take the necessary actions, including the possibility of replacing the federation with another national team.