Will Iran play at the World Cup, and who could replace them if not? | OneFootball

Iran’s 2026 World Cup place is unclear amid war with the US and Israel. Kick-off is less than 50 days away.

The conflict began on 28 February after US strikes in Iran, and Gianni Infantino has repeatedly said Iran will take part.

Drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, Iran open against New Zealand on 15 June at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, then face Belgium at the same venue before Egypt.

In March, sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said conditions were not suitable to participate, yet the Iranian FA president since insisted the team will play and no government policy signals a withdrawal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the team would be allowed to enter and play, though anyone deemed linked to the IRGC would be refused.

Should Iran withdraw, FIFA has no codified replacement process. The last such withdrawals were in 1950, when Scotland, India and Türkiye did not take part and no replacements were named.

Options include voiding Iran’s games or awarding 3-0 walkovers, but the Asian pathway offers no obvious runner-up, with the United Arab Emirates next best, while Bolivia and Jamaica lost intercontinental play-off finals and European finalists would also have a claim.

The Financial Times reports US envoy Paolo Zampolli asked the President to replace Iran with Italy, a proposal rejected by FIFA and by Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi.

FIFA has kept any contingency private and still expects Iran to play, while a late withdrawal would be exceptionally hard to cover.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk