The Iran national team squad
An official from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has said that Iran could be replaced if they decide to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reports have emerged that the Iran Football Federation is considering boycotting the World Cup after Israel and USA attacked their country with missiles.
“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj, head of Iranian soccer’s governing body, told sports news outlet Varzesh3 following the airstrikes.
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Meanwhile, Iran qualified for the intercontinental play-offs scheduled to take place in March 2026. They will face the winner between Bolivia and Suriname in the final to determine their spot, with all matches to be played in Mexico.
Addressing the issue of a possible boycott, a FIFA official who spoke with sports journalist Gary Al-Smith noted that if Iran qualifies from the play-offs but withdraws, they would be replaced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who narrowly missed qualification.
He explained that a withdrawal would not pose a problem for the tournament’s organization or structure, and FIFA would respect any decision taken by Iran.
“FIFA official tells me they are looking into what happens should Iran boycott 2026 World Cup: Two scenarios are possible: either Iraq, who could qualify anyway via the continental play-off later this month, or the UAE [who missed out on qualification] could take the spot,” Gary wrote on X.
Meanwhile, FIFA has stated that they are monitoring developments in Iran as safety concerns grow about the World Cup, particularly given the involvement of the United States.
SB/JE
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