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Who Could Replace Iran in FIFA World Cup 2026 After It Withdraws Amid War Against US, Israel
Iran faces possible fines of up to $600,000 and loss of FIFA funding if it withdraws from the 2026 World Cup, with Iraq or UAE as potential replacements.
- On Wednesday, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali left the door open to withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup, where Iran is slotted into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.
- Until recently, Iranian officials insisted the team would compete; Donyamali said, "Since this corrupt government murdered our leader, we are not in a position to participate in the World Cup."
- FIFA regulations impose steep financial penalties under Article 6: $300,000 minimum for withdrawals more than 30 days before the first match, doubling to $600,000 within 30 days of kickoff.
- Should Iran withdraw, FIFA would fill the vacancy with another team from the Asian Football Confederation, with Iraq as the logical replacement candidate after advancing farthest without a direct spot.
- Disciplinary actions may extend beyond financial penalties and replacement, potentially including suspension from future FIFA competitions, as the governing body retains sole discretion over such measures.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Iran would not attend the World Cup. FIFA, according to its regulations, can choose a selection to replace them. Know which selection could take this quota
Iran’s departure from the World Cup, organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is on the verge of being definitive. Following the war in the Middle East that began a few weeks ago, the grudge of the Islamic dictatorship is very close to causing an earthquake in FIFA when it comes to carrying out severe consequences and possible solutions to cover its abandonment. In football, its place in the World Cup was won in the field. I finished t…
Who could replace Iran in FIFA World Cup 2026 after it withdraws amid war against US, Israel
Iran are set to miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed their withdrawal following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Let's take a look at which team could replace Iran for their World Cup games in the United States.
Iran's withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup announced on Wednesday, March 11, by its Minister of Sports, still unofficial to FIFA, opens the expectation of another Asian team, the Iraqi, who won the right to play the international respite, but does not assure a place, as the competition rules are ambiguous about it.
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