Iran’s presence at the 2026 World Cup in doubt: Which national team could take its place?

With Iran putting its participation in the 2026 World Cup in danger, several national teams have emerged as potential replacements while taking into account FIFA regulations.

Iran‘s participation in the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into serious doubt with fewer than 100 days until the tournament begins, putting FIFA in a difficult position as it weighs its options. While no official exclusion has been confirmed, the question of which nation could step in as a replacement is already being raised.