Could Iran miss the World Cup? FIFA regulations explained

March 11, 2026 Oliver Obel

Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup could come under scrutiny as escalating military tensions in the Middle East raise questions about whether the team will ultimately take part in the tournament.

The situation intensified after the United States and Israel launched what officials described as a “major combat operation” against Iran on February 28. Iranian forces later responded with missile and aerial strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli military facilities across parts of the Middle East.

With the United States set to co-host the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, the political backdrop has prompted speculation about how the conflict could affect Iran’s involvement.

When asked about the possibility of Iran competing, U.S. President Donald Trump said he “really didn't care” whether the team participated, Politico reported.

FIFA rules on withdrawal

FIFA regulations outline financial and sporting penalties if a qualified team withdraws from the World Cup.

According to Article 6 of the tournament’s regulations, any national team that pulls out more than 30 days before the competition begins can face a minimum fine of 250,000 Swiss francs. If a team withdraws within the final month before kickoff, the fine increases to 500,000 Swiss francs.

Teams that withdraw may also be required to repay preparation funding and other tournament-related payments provided by FIFA. In more serious cases, the governing body’s rules allow additional disciplinary measures, including potential exclusion from future FIFA competitions.

However, the regulations also include provisions for extraordinary circumstances. In situations such as war or natural disasters, FIFA may invoke force majeure, allowing its organising committee to determine the appropriate response without imposing standard penalties.

Iran’s qualification campaign

Iran were among the early teams to secure a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup and were later drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

The national team progressed comfortably through Asian qualifying, continuing a run that has seen Iran become one of the region’s most consistent World Cup participants in recent years.

Possible replacement if Iran withdraws

If Iran were unable to compete, FIFA rules allow for a replacement team to be selected, provided there is sufficient time before the tournament begins.

Typically, the substitute would come from the same confederation, often the runner-up from a qualifying playoff or the highest-ranked team that narrowly missed qualification.

Iraq could emerge as a candidate in that scenario after reaching the inter-confederation playoffs. Preparations for their upcoming fixture, however, have already been disrupted by widespread airspace closures in parts of the Middle East.

Speaking to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), Iraq coach Graham Arnold suggested postponing the playoff schedule.

“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly,” Arnold said.

He added: “Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup we play the winner in the US — the winner of that game stays and the loser goes home.”

For now, FIFA has not indicated that Iran’s participation is under review. But with the geopolitical situation continuing to evolve, the governing body may ultimately need to decide whether the qualified team will be able to take part in the tournament.

Sources: Politico, Australian Associated Press (AAP), FIFA regulations