Iran was slotted into Group G in this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to face the Belgium national football team, the Egypt national football team, and the New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles and Seattle.
However, the country’s Minister of Sport and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, said the national team could not take part in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The statement has raised uncertainty over Iran’s participation and what it could mean for the competition.
Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup
Trump Reassures FIFA
This comes after Donald Trump met Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, to discuss preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following the meeting, Infantino revealed that the conversation also touched on Iran’s situation after the national team qualified for the tournament. According to Infantino, Trump reaffirmed that Iran would still be welcome to participate in the World Cup in the United States, as excitement continues to build with the competition set to kick off in just over three months.
What Happens After Iran’s Withdrawal?
According to FIFA regulations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the rules regarding team withdrawals are explicit and carry significant consequences. Article 6.5 of the governing body’s regulations, published in May last year, states that if a participating member association withdraws or if a match cannot be played due to force majeure, the authorized FIFA organizing body, including the Tournament Operation Centre, has the authority to decide the outcome at its sole discretion and take any action it deems necessary.
The following provision, Article 6.7, further clarifies that FIFA may choose to replace the withdrawing member association with another national team.
Iraq Is the Most Likely Replacement
Iraq is currently scheduled to compete in Intercontinental Playoff B, which offers one additional spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, Iraq will face the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname in a single‑elimination match.
If Iraq fails to secure qualification through the playoff, they would be the most likely candidate to replace Iran, having been the AFC team that progressed the farthest without earning a direct World Cup spot.
UAE Is a Close Second
If Iraq qualifies, the replacement candidate becomes the UAE, which lost to Iraq in the final Asian playoff round. Iraq earned its spot in the Intercontinental playoff by defeating the United Arab Emirates in November 2025 with a 2–1 victory. It is still unclear whether FIFA will decide Iran’s replacement before the inter‑confederation playoffs.
If Group G Drops to Three Teams
If Iran withdraws and Group G is reduced to just three teams, it could create an unfair scenario. The third-place team in a three-team group would play fewer matches, meaning they have fewer chances to earn points and improve their ranking compared with third-place teams from full four-team groups. This could make it harder for them to advance or affect their placement in the round of 32.
With Iran’s participation in doubt, the 2026 World Cup could see a significant reshuffle affecting Group G and beyond.
FIFA regulations grant the organization wide discretion to replace any withdrawing team, and Iraq currently emerges as the most likely candidate, with the UAE next in line if Iraq qualifies through the inter‑confederation playoff. As the tournament approaches, fans and officials are watching closely, aware that any decision could shape the broader narrative of the competition.
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