Who could replace Iran at World Cup? Why Italy could be surprise replacement

With Iran’s participation at this year’s World Cup in doubt, attention shifts towards who could replace them.

Iran were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

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However, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has since stated the nation is ‘unlikely’ to compete following the United States and Israel’s attacks on the nation.

US president Donald Trump confirmed the two nations had conducted targeted airstrikes across Iran, resulting in the death of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The outbreak of violence in the region has caused knock-on effects, including flights through the Middle East being grounded.

Several sports stars, including Jonny Bairstow and Graeme Souness, were among the thousands who were impacted by the cancelled flights.

Should Iran be forced to pull out of the tournament, it would open up a spot among the 48-nation field.

So, who would replace Iran?

The leading contenders to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup

A logical option would be Iraq, the only remaining representative from Asia in the qualifying process.

Yet FIFA could opt for a four-time champion to fulfil the void.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan, Iraq assistant coach Rene Meulensteen explained the scenario at hand.

“Through the AFC, we are the highest ranked team,” Meulensteen said.

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“So we would then take Iran’s place. And then UAE might step in to replace us to play the winner of Suriname and Bolivia.

“But there’s also rumours that if FIFA makes the final decision, they might push the highest-ranked FIFA team to replace Iran, which is Italy.

“You can think, who would they rather have at the World Cup?”

How can Italy reach the World Cup?

Italy has not competed in a World Cup since 2014 having failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Going back further, the Azzurri was sent packing in the group stages of the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side could still qualify for the World Cup via the UEFA play-offs, but they must beat Northern Ireland then either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Should Italy make it through their qualification path, they would then go into Group B at the World Cup and join co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

How can Iraq reach the World Cup?

As for Iraq, they are just 90 minutes away from reaching the World Cup as a 3-2 win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final round of qualification booked them a berth in an inter-confederation play-off.

Graham Arnold’s side are due to face either Bolivia or Suriname in the inter-confederation play-off in Mexico on March 31.

However, Arnold has expressed fears he would not be able to field a full-strength team for the must-win fixture given nearly 60 per cent of his squad is drawn from the Iraqi domestic league.

Given the travel disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict, Arnold would be at a serious disadvantage.

Meulensteen proposes drastic fixture change

It’s why Meulensteen called on FIFA to let Bolivia and Suriname play out their play-off semi-final in the March international break before contesting the final a week out from the World Cup.

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“I would not name it a disaster because a disaster is what’s happening now in the Middle East in terms of the war.

“But it would be a huge, huge disappointment for all the people of Iraq that have been waiting for 39 years.

“It’s a miracle already where we are in this moment with the set-up and the team and the things that we’ve had to go through.

“I think FIFA needs to do everything to make sure that the game is played.

“Maybe all our games are postponed until seven to 10 days before the World Cup.”