Iran faces severe penalties from FIFA for potentially boycotting the 2026 World Cup. A unilateral withdrawal triggers automatic fines between €275,000 (£238,000) and €555,000, based on the exit timing. The Iranian Football Association must also repay all preparation funds and competition contributions received from FIFA.

Disciplinary Measures and Sporting Sanctions

FIFA’s disciplinary committee reviews any withdrawal, assessing the infringement’s severity and timing to impose additional punishments. These may include sporting sanctions, such as barring Iran from future FIFA tournaments. FIFA statutes ban member associations from pulling out, and a post-draw exit would mark the first in the modern era since 1950.

Replacement Options for Iran’s Spot

FIFA holds sole discretion to fill any vacancy. Sources point to Iraq as the top candidate, being the next highest-ranked team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers. If Iraq cannot participate due to its own issues or regional tensions, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands next in line among non-qualified Asian nations.

Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamal, confirmed the boycott stance, stating: “Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup.”