Iran's World Cup Spot in Doubt Amid Middle East Conflict

FIFA has Iraq next in line if Iran withdraws from tournament

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Iran's place at the upcoming men's World Cup in the United States has been put in doubt due to an escalating Middle East conflict sparked by the soccer tournament's co-host. The U.S. and Israel have targeted Iran in coordinated attacks, provoking an Iranian response that has aimed missiles at U.S. allies. It is unclear if Iran's soccer federation could refuse to send its team to the 48-nation tournament or if the U.S. government could block the team. FIFA has declined to comment, but the governing body has the power to replace a withdrawn team, with Iraq likely next in line from Asia.

Why it matters

Iran is one of the best national teams in Asia and has qualified for six of the past eight World Cups. Its absence would be a major blow to the tournament, especially with the expanded 48-team format where most third-place teams advance. The political tensions around Iran's participation could also lead to protests and security issues inside World Cup stadiums.

The details

The U.S. and Israel have targeted Iran in coordinated attacks since Saturday that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens more senior officials. This provoked an Iranian response that aimed missiles at U.S. allies including 2022 World Cup host Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is unclear if the state-backed Iranian soccer federation could refuse to send its team to the World Cup or if the U.S. government could block the team. FIFA has the power to replace a withdrawn team, with Iraq likely next in line from Asia.

  • The World Cup starts on June 11, 2026.
  • Iran is scheduled to play its three group stage games in the U.S. from June 15-26, 2026.

The players

Mehdi Taj

Iran's top soccer official and a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation.

Gianni Infantino

The president of FIFA who has wide powers to shape any decision relating to Iran's participation.

Andrew Guiliani

The White House's top official overseeing World Cup preparations.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who was presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize minutes after the World Cup draw.

Lionel Messi

The Argentinian soccer star whose team Inter Miami was added to the 2025 Club World Cup lineup by Infantino.

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What they’re saying

“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

— Mehdi Taj, Iran's top soccer official (newser.com)

“We'll deal with soccer games tomorrow, tonight, we celebrate their opportunity for freedom.”

— Andrew Guiliani, White House official (newser.com)

What’s next

FIFA will monitor the situation and decide whether Iran can participate in the World Cup or if they will be replaced by another team, likely Iraq.

The takeaway

The escalating Middle East conflict has put Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup in serious jeopardy, raising concerns about the political tensions and security issues that could arise if Iran is forced to withdraw from the tournament.