World Cup 2026

What country will replace Iran after pulling out of the 2026 World Cup? Here’s what FIFA says

If a federation withdraws from the World Cup, it will face hefty fines and further sanctions. Iran’s place would then go to Asia.

Carlos Barria

Pablo M. Fuentenebro Andy Hall

Update: Mar 11th, 2026 14:46 EDT

Iran’s participation in the World Cup being hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada is history.

Iran has already qualified and is officially one of the 42 teams with a guaranteed place in the expanded 48‑nation World Cup. The team is slotted into Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. If Iran pulls out, FIFA would need to fill the vacancy with another team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Iran’s sports minister said the country’s men’s national soccer team cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate,” Ahmad Donyamali said on state television.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 11, 2026

What happens now that Iran has withdrawed?

FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 World Cup are crystal clear — and the penalties are steep.

Article 6.5 of FIFA’s Regulations, published in May last year, states: “If a Participating Member Association withdraws or a match cannot be played or is abandoned as a result of force majeure, the authorised FIFA organising body (including the Tournament Operation Centre) shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary.”

Regulation 6.7 then states: “FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”

Financial Penalties

Under Article 6 (“Withdrawal, Forfeited Matches, Suspended Matches, and Replacement”), FIFA imposes heavy fines on any team that backs out:

Withdrawal more than 30 days before the first match: Minimum fine of $300,000 (€275,000).
Withdrawal within 30 days of kickoff: Minimum fine doubles to $600,000 (€550,000).

Repayment of FIFA Funds

Any team that withdraws must also:

Return all FIFA funding received for World Cup preparation.
Repay any competition‑related contributions already distributed.

Additional Disciplinary Measures

FIFA may impose further sanctions depending on the timing and circumstances of the withdrawal. These could include:

Suspension from future FIFA competitions
Replacement by another federation
Additional penalties based on the severity of the situation

What country will replace Iran after pulling out of the 2026 World Cup? Here’s what FIFA says — Mujeres iraníes viendo a su selección.ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

Could Iran be banned from future tournaments?

Yes. FIFA explicitly states that disciplinary actions may include excluding the federation from future competitions. The governing body can also choose to replace the withdrawing team with another national side.

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following airstrikes against the country by the United States and Israel, the Iranian sports minister said on Wednesday. https://t.co/YTTptpC7x0
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 11, 2026

Why did Iran pull out?

Until recently, Iranian officials insisted the team would compete. Iran’s ambassador to Spain even said, “We will go to the World Cup; we have the right to be there. We have no problems.”

But the situation changed dramatically after comments from Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, who said on television: “Since this corrupt government murdered our leader, we are not in a position to participate in the World Cup.”

His remarks refer to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader amid escalating conflict in the Middle East — a crisis that has also led to U.S. travel restrictions affecting Iranian fans.

Iran are not in a position to participate in the 2026 World Cup, says the country's Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali. pic.twitter.com/C5jPYjWnxJ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 11, 2026

Who would replace Iran?

Asia has eight World Cup slots. The qualified teams are:

Saudi Arabia
Australia
Qatar
South Korea
Uzbekistan
Japan
Jordan
Iran

If Iran withdraws, the replacement must come from the AFC.

Most likely replacement: Iraq

Iraq is currently set to play in Intercontinental Playoff B, which awards one additional World Cup spot. On March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, Iraq will face the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname in a single‑elimination match.

If Iraq fails to qualify through the playoff, they would be the logical choice to replace Iran, as they were the AFC team that advanced the farthest without securing a direct spot.

However, Iraq has requested a postponement due to difficulties traveling amid regional conflict. If Iraq wins the playoff, they qualify directly — and the next team in line becomes relevant.

Next in line: United Arab Emirates (UAE)

If Iraq qualifies, the replacement candidate becomes the UAE, which lost to Iraq in the final Asian playoff round.

FIFA precedent

A similar situation occurred at the FIFA Club World Cup when Mexican club León was excluded due to shared ownership with Pachuca. FIFA filled the spot through a playoff between LAFC and Club América — ultimately won by LAFC.