Once again, next summer’s World Cup in North America has been overshadowed by international conflict, with renewed focus on the role of a host nation led by President Donald Trump. Recent U.S. strikes on Iran have put the global soccer community on alert.

Following those attacks, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj raised doubts about his country’s participation in the tournament.

Speaking on Iranian state television, and according to reports cited by outlets including TNT Sports and Give Me Sport, Taj said that although he personally favors withdrawing from the World Cup, the final decision will rest with FIFA.

“After what happened today and that attack by the United States, it is unlikely we can look ahead to the World Cup with excitement, but the sporting authorities will have to decide,” Taj said, expressing his desire to pull Iran out of the tournament.

The latest conflict adds to recent visa denials reportedly affecting federation delegates, as well as players and coaching staff, who have faced difficulties obtaining the necessary U.S. entry permits to compete in the World Cup. That situation has further fueled Iran’s consideration of stepping aside.

What decision could FIFA make?

Following the comments from the Iranian federation president, FIFA would have the final say on any request from Iran to withdraw, as such a move would require a replacement team for the tournament.

In that scenario, FIFA would have to determine which AFC team is next in line under its qualifying regulations. Iraq eliminated the United Arab Emirates in the Asian playoff phase and currently holds Asia’s spot in the intercontinental playoff. If Iran were to withdraw, FIFA would need to decide whether to promote Iraq directly into the tournament, reshuffle the playoff structure, or elevate another team based on the confederation’s final qualifying standings.

A clear precedent exists in UEFA Euro 1992, when Yugoslavia were expelled just days before the tournament because of international sanctions tied to the Balkan conflict. Denmark, who had finished second in Yugoslavia’s qualifying group, were elevated as the next team in line under UEFA’s regulations. They had barely assembled when the tournament began and ultimately went on to win it. The episode underscores how governing bodies can turn to the established qualifying order rather than redesigning a tournament if a qualified nation is removed — a model FIFA could draw on if Iran were to step aside in 2026.

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