Who can replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup as FIFA rules point to possible replacement teams after boycott warning

Iran’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has suddenly become uncertain, and football officials may soon need to find another team. Iran had already qualified for the tournament and was placed in a group with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. But the country’s government has now said the team may not take part after a major conflict involving the United States and Israel. The airstrikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and caused heavy damage in Tehran. After this, Iran’s sports minister said the country cannot send its national team to the tournament. If Iran officially withdraws, FIFA will have to decide which team replaces them. This sudden situation has created confusion around the World Cup draw and the teams involved. Now the big question is simple: who could take Iran’s spot if they step away?

Iran national football team withdrawal puts FIFA and Gianni Infantino in difficult position

The issue began after Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, made a strong statement during a television interview. He said the country cannot take part in a tournament hosted mainly in the United States after recent events.He said:“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.”Iran had already earned their place by finishing first in their Asian qualifying group. The team was scheduled to face Belgium national football team, Egypt national football team, and New Zealand national football team in the group stage.Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, said Iran is still welcome to play. He even shared that Donald Trump assured him the Iranian team would be allowed to compete in the United States. Still, if Iran officially refuses to attend, FIFA must make a quick decision. The tournament is already scheduled and the group stage draw has been completed.

Iraq national football team and United Arab Emirates national football team emerge as possible replacements

FIFA rules allow the governing body to pick a replacement if a qualified team withdraws. The rulebook says the spot can go to a nominated alternate, often the runner-up from the same qualifying path or the highest-ranked team that did not qualify. Because Iran qualified through Asia, the replacement would most likely come from the Asian Football Confederation. Two teams are being discussed the most.The first is the United Arab Emirates national football team. They finished behind Iran during qualifying, so some believe they could move into the World Cup directly.Another option is the Iraq national football team. Iraq is currently involved in the intercontinental playoff pathway. Some reports suggest FIFA could promote Iraq directly into the tournament if Iran withdraws.There is also a rare scenario where FIFA could keep the group with only three teams. But that would complicate the new 48-team format, where the best third-place teams advance to the knockout stage. Because of that, replacing Iran with another country is considered the more realistic solution.For now, FIFA has not made a final decision. Officials are expected to wait until qualification playoffs are completed before choosing the next step.