FIFA Preparing Possible Sanctions Against Iran and Considering Replacement for the 2026 World Cup

A new intrigue has emerged around Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) is considering various scenarios in case the Iranian national team decides to withdraw from the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to several sources, including RMC Sport, a unilateral refusal to participate could lead to serious sanctions against Iran. These may include not only financial penalties but also potential sporting restrictions.

Possible FIFA Sanctions Against Iran

If Iran officially withdraws from the tournament, FIFA’s disciplinary committee may impose several types of punishment:

• A fine of at least €275,000, which could increase to €555,000 depending on the timing of the withdrawal;

• Disqualification of Iranian national teams from future tournaments under FIFA’s authority;

• Sporting sanctions, including possible points deductions for Iranian teams in future competitions.

Such measures are предусмотрены regulations of the World Cup and apply to federations that withdraw their national teams without FIFA’s approval.

Political Tensions Around the Tournament

Talk of a potential boycott emerged amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the war in Iran. Iran’s Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, previously stated that participation in a tournament partly hosted by the United States could become impossible.

According to him, the situation worsened after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sharply increasing tensions in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the issue. He said the Iranian national team could technically participate in the tournament but questioned the appropriateness of its presence.

“The Iranian national football team can participate in the World Cup, but I truly believe its presence there would be inappropriate — for their own life and safety,” Trump said.

FIFA Considering Replacement Options

Although Iran has not officially announced its withdrawal, FIFA is already discussing possible scenarios. According to World Cup regulations, the organization has full discretion in choosing a replacement team if a participant withdraws.

Former FIFA Director of Football Regulatory James Kitching noted that such precedents have been extremely rare in modern World Cup history.

Theoretically, FIFA could:

• Invite another national team from any confederation;

• Select a team from the Asian qualifying process;

• Or even leave the tournament without replacing the withdrawn team.

Possible Candidates

The most logical option would be a replacement from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Among potential candidates mentioned are:

• Iraq, which is scheduled to play in the intercontinental playoff;

• United Arab Emirates, which previously lost to Iraq during qualification.

However, Iraq’s preparation for playoff matches is complicated by regional flight restrictions, which may also influence FIFA’s decision.

Iran’s Group at the Tournament

Iran has already qualified for the World Cup and was placed in Group G, where it is scheduled to play against:

• Belgium

• Egypt

• New Zealand

All three group-stage matches for Iran are expected to take place in the United States, including the opening game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

Decision Expected in Spring

FIFA has not yet officially commented on the statements by Iranian authorities. Experts believe the final decision will likely be made no earlier than early April, after all qualification and playoff matches are completed.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history: 48 national teams will participate for the first time, and matches will take place across three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The current world champion remains Argentina, which defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final.