According to a report by talkSPORT on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has raised questions about which nation could take their place if they withdraw from the tournament.
Iran national football team were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium national football team, Egypt national football team, and New Zealand national football team. However, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, indicated that the country may not be able to participate due to escalating regional tensions following airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
The situation has disrupted travel across parts of the Middle East, affecting thousands of people, including well-known figures such as Jonny Bairstow and Graeme Souness who were impacted by grounded flights. If Iran eventually withdraws, one place would become available in the expanded 48-team tournament.
One possible replacement could be Iraq national football team, currently the highest-ranked Asian side remaining in the qualification process. Iraq assistant coach René Meulensteen explained that under Asian Football Confederation procedures, Iraq could potentially take Iran’s slot. In that scenario, the United Arab Emirates national football team might then move into Iraq’s inter-confederation play-off place.
Another possibility involves FIFA offering the spot to the highest-ranked team outside the qualified nations, which has sparked speculation that Italy national football team could receive an unexpected opportunity. Italy have not appeared at a World Cup since 2014 after missing qualification for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
To secure qualification through the European pathway, Italy must defeat Northern Ireland national football team and then overcome either Wales national football team or Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in the play-offs. If successful, the four-time world champions could find themselves in Group B with Canada national football team, Qatar national football team, and Switzerland national football team.
Meanwhile, Iraq recently secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the UAE in the final qualification round, booking a place in the inter-confederation play-off where they are scheduled to face either Bolivia national football team or Suriname national football team in Mexico on March 31. Meulensteen noted that travel complications and the fact that a large portion of the Iraqi squad plays domestically could create additional challenges for the team.
He suggested that FIFA may need to adjust the schedule, possibly moving the semi-final play-off earlier during the international break to ensure the matches are completed smoothly. Meulensteen added that while the ongoing conflict is devastating for the region, it would also be heartbreaking for Iraqi supporters who have waited nearly four decades to see their national team return to the World Cup stage. See More