Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are seen as the most probable replacements if Iran pulls out of the World Cup. FIFA’s secretary‑general, Mattias Grafström, told reporters on Saturday that “our priority is a safe tournament with all teams taking part”, yet Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, expressed uncertainty about his nation’s involvement, stating: “After this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”
FIFA has offered no further comment since Grafström’s remarks and is intent on seeing the competition, slated to begin on 11 June, proceed as scheduled. However, several insiders suggest that, should Iran withdraw, the vacancy would likely be filled by another Asian Football Confederation member.
The tournament’s regulations provide little guidance on substituting a qualified side, noting only that FIFA has “sole discretion” to “take whatever action is deemed necessary” and may “replace the participating member association in question with another association”.
An Iranian exit would be a first in the modern era; no nation has withdrawn after the draw since France and India skipped the 1950 event over travel expenses.
Iran earned its spot in the finals by topping Group A in the third round of AFC qualifying and is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle, in the group stage.
The UAE were beaten by Iraq in a playoff that sent the winner to an inter‑continental tie on 31 March against Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, the victor of which will advance to the finals.
Should Iraq not qualify, FIFA sources say they would be the first candidate to take Iran’s place. If Iraq do qualify, the slot would pass to the UAE, the highest‑ranked Asian nation still without a berth.
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