Is Iran Out of the World Cup 2026?

Iran will be featuring at the 2026 World Cup, as things stand, despite the conflict in the Middle East. Questions have been raised whether the Iranian soccer team will play at this year’s FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

• Iran are set to play at the 2026 World Cup amidst the conflict in the Middle East

• There are several conditions that Iran have requested to be met if they are to participate

The Iranian national soccer team has been drawn into Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with their games set to take place in Inglewood and Seattle. Their team base camp will be in Tucson, Arizona.

Who Will Replace Iran in the World Cup?

While Iran is expected to participate in the 2026 World Cup, there have been reports that either Italy or the United Arab Emirates could replace them.

President Donald Trump’s envoy, Paolo Zampolli, suggested that Iran could be switched with Italy for the World Cup, but FIFA is not expected to replace them. Zampolli is believed to have proposed the idea to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Italian officials have also dismissed the claim that they should participate at the World Cup. They believe it would not be appropriate for them to play in the competition after they failed to qualify from the UEFA qualifiers.

Iran earned their spot at the World Cup after finishing at the top of Group A during the third round of the Asian qualifiers. The UAE could be a potential replacement for Iran, since they are the highest-ranked team in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that didn’t qualify.

Iranian Conditions

Iran has stated that the host nations must agree to several conditions, such as without having to “retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions,” if they are to feature at this year’s tournament.

FFIRI president Mehdi Taj wants assurances that those who have served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are granted visas, despite the IRGC being considered a terrorist organization in the US and Canada.

Further conditions include:

• All players and technical staff are granted visas without any issues

• Presence of the team flag and national anthem

• High security at airports, hotels, and stadiums

Where Will Iran Be Based?

Iran will be staying in Tucson, Arizona, when they arrive for the World Cup. The team will be training at Kino Sports Complex, where they can get access to soccer facilities, weight training, ice baths, and massage tables.

The staff at Kino Sports Complex are already preparing for Team Melli’s arrival, cutting grass to meet FIFA requirements and organizing accommodation for the soccer team.

Has the US Played Against Iran at the World Cup Before?

Iran and the United States men’s national teams met at the last edition of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The US ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a first-half goal from Christian Pulisic. However, this summer is set to be the first time that the Iranian soccer team steps onto US soil in over 26 years.

The Iranian national soccer team has ventured to the US before, as they entered the country for a 12-day tour to play in friendly matches against the US, Mexico, and Ecuador in January 2000.

For the tour, which was played in California, Iran was granted exemptions from the U.S. government. The Iranian players and officials were required to provide their fingerprints and photographs upon arrival.

What Are Iran’s Chances at Winning the World Cup?

Iran is a huge underdog and is extremely unlikely to win the World Cup. World Cup odds taken from Caesars Sportsbook have Iran listed at +50000 to win the entire tournament, making them considerable outsiders.

Their first match is set to take place on June 15 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, against New Zealand. They will then go on to face Belgium for Matchday Two, also in California, before finishing their group stage campaign versus Egypt at Lumen Field, Seattle.

Team Melli has never progressed past the group stage at any edition of the World Cup. They finished in third place in Group B at the most recent tournament in Qatar four years ago.