Which country could replace Iran in the FIFA World Cup? Past boycotts and withdrawals explained
Published on: March 11, 2026, 10:47 p.m. | Source: The Economic Times
Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup is in doubt after the sports minister cited the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and safety concerns, making it impossible to compete. This statement raises significant questions for FIFA as preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament continue, potentially requiring a replacement for the qualified Iranian team.
