• Despite the sensitive political situation, the World Cup remains a global event with massive sporting and economic significance, meaning any decision to exclude or see a team withdraw would be an exceptional move with wide-reaching consequences—not just for Group G, but for the tournament as a whole.

Iran’s national football team was drawn into the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11. However, recent military developments in the Middle East—following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran—have raised questions about whether the Iranian team will actually be able to participate.

FIFA’s Official Position

FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström emphasized that the focus is on hosting a safe tournament with all qualified teams participating. Insiders confirm that the tournament plans have not changed so far.

Meanwhile, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj acknowledged that the current situation makes it hard to approach the World Cup with optimism, noting that “sports authorities” will ultimately decide on participation.

Could the U.S. Government Block Iran?

Although former President Donald Trump’s administration affirmed its commitment to hosting an open tournament, the legal reality is more complex. Travel restrictions on Iranian citizens exist, with limited exceptions for athletes in major competitions.

Visa decisions remain subject to “national security” considerations, which theoretically gives the U.S. government the authority to restrict entry for individuals—or even the entire team—if deemed necessary.

What if Iran Withdraws?

World Cup regulations grant FIFA wide discretionary power in cases of “force majeure.” Under Article 6.7, any team that withdraws can be replaced by another team selected by FIFA.

FIFA’s main options would be:

• Keep Group G at three teams, or

• Replace Iran with another team.

Finding a replacement would be challenging due to time constraints and the logistical demands of the tournament.

Potential Replacements for Iran

Asia’s qualification process was complex. Iran qualified directly from its group, followed by teams like Uzbekistan and Qatar, while the UAE and Iraq entered additional playoff rounds.

One of these teams could potentially replace Iran, or FIFA could choose a team that lost in another continental playoff. The regulations give FIFA full discretion to decide what’s appropriate in such exceptional circumstances.

Historical Precedents

The last withdrawal after qualification was in the 1950 World Cup, leaving only 13 teams following a series of pullouts.

A more recent example occurred in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, when Mexico’s Club León was excluded months before the tournament, prompting a playoff to select a replacement. Implementing a similar scenario for the World Cup would be far more complicated given the scale of the event.

Impact on U.S. Hosting

So far, FIFA has not indicated any plans to move matches or impose sanctions on the host country. There are also no direct security concerns within U.S. territory affecting the tournament.

Despite the geopolitical sensitivity, the World Cup remains a major global event with enormous sporting and economic stakes, making any decision to exclude or see a team withdraw an extraordinary move with consequences for Group G and the tournament as a whole.