With just 98 days to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup, the uncertainty grew this week when Iran did not send any representatives to an important FIFA preparation workshop in Atlanta. All other qualified countries were present at the three-day meeting, which was held to discuss match organization, team facilities, and security for the tournament.
The absence of the Iranian delegation has led many to believe the country may withdraw from the competition.
Tensions Rise After Conflict
The doubt over Iran’s participation follows joint military strikes on the country by the United States and Israel, which began on February 28 . Since then, Iran has launched counterattacks on US-allied states in the Gulf .
The head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, spoke about the situation shortly after the strikes began. “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj told an Iranian sports outlet . He added that the final decision about the team’s participation would be made by the country’s sports officials .
Trump: “I Really Don’t Care”
When asked about the possibility of Iran pulling out, US President Donald Trump gave a blunt response. “I really don’t care,” Trump told Politico. “I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes”.
President Trump’s comments come at a time when he is closely linked to the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded Trump the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” at the World Cup draw in Washington just three months ago .
FIFA’s Position
FIFA has stated that its goal remains to have all qualified teams at the World Cup. General secretary Mattias Grafstrom said the organization’s “focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating”. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also shared this hope, saying he wants the tournament to be “a moment of peace” that can help “unite a little bit the world”.
The CEO of US Soccer, JT Batson, echoed this position, stating his support for a World Cup where all teams are able to take part .
What Happens if Iran Withdraws?
If Iran decides to withdraw from the World Cup, it would face major financial losses. FIFA guarantees every team at least $10.5 million for their participation. This includes $1.5 million for preparation costs and $9 million for teams that do not advance past the first round .
On top of losing that money, Iran would also have to pay a fine. According to FIFA rules, a team that pulls out more than 30 days before the first match can be fined at least $320,000. If the team withdraws within the last 30 days, that fine doubles to at least $640,000 . The country would also have to repay any funds already received from FIFA for preparation .
There could be sporting consequences as well. FIFA may decide to ban Iran from future tournaments, possibly including the 2030 World Cup .
Who Would Replace Iran?
If Iran does not play, FIFA has the power to choose a replacement team. The new team would almost certainly come from the Asian Football Confederation .
The most likely candidate is Iraq. Iraq is currently in an intercontinental playoff for one of the final World Cup spots. They are scheduled to play the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match on March 31 in Mexico. If Iraq does not win that playoff and secure a place on their own, they would be the next in line to take Iran’s spot .
Another possible replacement could be the United Arab Emirates, which lost to Iraq in the Asian playoffs .
Complicating Factors
Even if Iran wanted to play, there are other obstacles. The Trump administration has a travel ban on visitors from Iran. While there are exceptions for players, team staff, and their families, getting approval for other officials could be difficult .
Some experts believe it is unlikely Iran will end up playing in the tournament. “I would say it’s highly unlikely Iran will be there,” said Tim Elcombe, a sports politics researcher. “It’s the mechanism by which they will not show up which I think is the big unknown” .
For now, the situation remains unclear. Iran is still scheduled to play their group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. They are set to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt . If both the US and Iran finish second in their groups, they could meet in the Round of 32 in Texas.
However, with the conflict continuing and no representatives at the FIFA workshop, that match is far from certain.