<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/iran/"><strong>Iran</strong></a>‘s participation in the <strong>2026 World</strong> 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, <strong>the question of which nation could step in as a replacement is already being raised</strong>.</p>



<p>Amid the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2026-fifa-world-cup-chaos-threatens-as-sports-ministers-statement-casts-shadow-over-one-nations-participation/"><strong>the country’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali directly ruled out the national team’s involvement in the competition</strong></a>. “<em>Under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup</em>,” Donyamali said in an interview on state television.</p>



<p>On the other side of the equation, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made clear he wants Iran to be part of the tournament, where the team has been drawn into Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. “<em><strong>We all need an event like the FIFA </strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/"><strong>World Cup</strong></a><strong> to bring people together now more than ever</strong></em>,” Infantino wrote on Instagram following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.</p>



<h2>What do the FIFA regulations say?</h2>



<p>Iran has not yet been officially excluded from the competition, though the comments from its sports minister paint a bleak picture. Should a formal withdrawal occur, the matter is addressed in Article 6 of the FIFA World Cup 26 Regulations, specifically subsection 7, titled “<em><strong>Withdrawal, unplayed matches, abandoned matches and replacements.</strong></em>“</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/11222713/mehdi-taremi-iran-1920x1080.webp" alt="Mehdi Taremi of Iran." class="wp-image-627757"><figcaption>Mehdi Taremi of Iran.</figcaption></figure>



<p>The relevant passage reads: “<em>If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, <strong>FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary</strong>. FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.</em>“</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-names-his-favorite-to-win-the-2026-world-cup/"></div>


<h2>Which nations could replace Iran at the World Cup?</h2>



<p><strong>One natural option would be to turn to the same confederation, in this case Asia</strong>. The leading candidate under that criteria would be <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/iraq/"><strong>Iraq</strong></a>, currently scheduled to compete in the intercontinental playoff against the winner of the Bolivia-Suriname tie, who would instead qualify directly. The <strong>United Arab Emirates</strong>, who lost their playoff berth to Iraq, could then move into the intercontinental playoff bracket.</p>



<p>A second avenue would be through FIFA’s world rankings. Given that the regulations grant the FIFA Council full discretion in such matters, selecting a high-profile nation from outside the region is not off the table. Under that scenario, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/italy/"><strong>Italy</strong></a><strong> would be among the most prominent names in the frame, provided the Azzurri fail to secure their spot through the playoffs</strong>.</p>



<p><strong>The third and least likely scenario would be for FIFA to simply leave the group as it stands with three teams</strong>. Opting against a replacement would create significant complications, as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt would each play one fewer group stage match than teams in other groups, creating a clear and serious disadvantage when it comes to qualifying as one of the best third-place finishers.</p>


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

Iran's presence at the 2026 World Cup in doubt: Which national team could take its place? - World Soccer Talk

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<p>The 2026 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/"><strong>World Cup</strong></a> kicks off on June 11, with just six spots remaining in the 48-team field to be decided during the March international window in matches hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada. But the playoff process has hit a significant snag, <strong>with </strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/iraq/"><strong>Iraq</strong></a><strong> formally requesting a postponement from FIFA</strong>.</p>



<p>The Iraqi national team was scheduled to travel to Monterrey, Mexico, <strong>to compete for a World Cup berth in an intercontinental playoff against the winner of the Suriname-Bolivia tie on March 31</strong>. However, a combination of logistical hurdles has put the trip in serious jeopardy, with players and staff unable to secure their visas and the Iraqi transport ministry closing the country’s airspace amid the ongoing tensions in the region.</p>



<p>Speaking to <em>CNN</em>, Iraq head coach Graham Arnold laid out the scope of the challenges his team is facing: “<em><strong>If the match is held in Mexico, we will face difficulties leaving Baghdad</strong>. About 60% of my players play inside Iraq, and all of the backroom staff live in Iraq. The medical staff live in Qatar, and we are currently facing difficulties obtaining Mexican visas.</em>“</p>



<p>With the playoff being Iraq’s only scheduled March fixture, a preparation camp in Houston had been planned to help the squad adjust to the time zone, weather and conditions ahead of the game. That plan has since been scrapped entirely. “<em>My first plan before all of this was to hold a small preparation camp in the United States to adapt to the time difference, the weather and the conditions there. <strong>But all of that has now been cancelled, as the preparation camp has been cancelled because we cannot leave Baghdad</strong>,</em>” Arnold said.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Iraq&apos;s participation in the World Cup playoffs is in doubt due to the travel chaos triggered by the conflict in neighboring Iran. <br><br>Their head coach has been speaking with <a href="https://twitter.com/donriddellCNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@donriddellCNN</a>. <a href="https://t.co/IFesupqE3X">pic.twitter.com/IFesupqE3X</a></p>— CNN Sports (@cnnsport) <a href="https://twitter.com/cnnsport/status/2031023117255033146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



<p>With the Iraqi government’s airspace restrictions creating a hard deadline, FIFA and relevant authorities have been in ongoing communication to find a workable path forward: “<em>The communication with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fifa/"><strong>FIFA</strong></a> officials has been very good, as well as with the federation. We are dealing with it step by step and day by day. It has been stressful, and there have been many sleepless nights as we try to organize the planning properly, but <strong>it is very difficult to do that while the airspace in Baghdad, where many of the players and staff are located, will not reopen until April 1</strong>.</em>“</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/fifa-implements-two-guaranteed-cooling-breaks-for-2026-world-cup-how-will-they-work/"></div>


<h2>Alternatives still being weighed</h2>



<p>With the Iraqi government showing no flexibility on the airspace closure, both FIFA and the national team are exploring alternatives to avoid a postponement that could create downstream complications for World Cup planning. One proposal put forward by the Iraqi federation itself is to <strong>push the March 31 playoff to the May/June window, immediately ahead of the tournament</strong>.</p>



<p>“<em>I believe FIFA should make a quick decision on this matter, because the current situation is a little unfair considering what we will have to go through. <strong>If we cannot get there, Suriname can play against Bolivia, and we can play against the winner directly before the World Cup in America</strong>, so that we can prepare properly and do everything required to achieve success</em>,” coach Arnold stated.</p>



<p>FIFA also floated an alternative of its own: traveling overland from Baghdad to Istanbul, Turkey, and then catching a connecting flight to Mexico. That option has not been well received within the Iraqi camp, <strong>with Arnold making clear he has no intention of putting his players through a 25-hour journey through areas directly affected by the conflict</strong>.</p>



<p>In the meantime, <strong>Bolivia and Suriname are set to play their semifinal on March 26</strong> at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, a result that will determine Iraq’s potential opponent. With the playoff winner set to be placed in <strong>Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway</strong>, FIFA and all parties involved are working against the clock to find a resolution, with fewer than four weeks remaining until the scheduled match date.</p>


2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs face possible setback as Iraq requests postponement from FIFA

2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs face possible setback as Iraq requests postponement from FIFA - World Soccer Talk

<p>The Public Prosecution has ordered the detention of the President of the Kuwait Soccer Association, Hayef Al Mutairi, along with his deputy Ahmed Aqla Al-Anzi, and Secretary-General Salah Al-Qanai. Officials have detained the trio for 21 days and referred them to the Central Prison, pending further investigation. This action follows the fallout from the recent Kuwait-Iraq match. It sparked widespread controversy and concerns over the country’s reputation.</p>



<p>The detentions are rooted in allegations that the officials were involved in broadcasting false news on social media during the Kuwait-Iraq match. According to these claims, they damaged the country’s interests and damaged ties between Iraq and Kuwait diplomatically. <a href="https://alwatan.kuwait.tt/articledetails.aspx?id=787900&amp;yearquarter=20243#:~:text=%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%B1%D8%AA%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A9%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9%20%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%B2%20%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3,%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AF%20%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A1%D8%A9%20%D9%84%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A9%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to reports</a>, the officials have denied these accusations. They assert they did not intend to damage the bilateral ties between the two nations.</p>



<p>The controversy centers around the officials allegedly spreading rumors for personal financial gain, though these claims are still under investigation. The situation has drawn significant attention. There are potential implications for Kuwait’s international standing and its relationship with Iraq.</p>



<h2>Soccer game has impact on relations between Kuwait and Iraq</h2>



<p>The Kuwait-Iraq match, a <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/">World Cup Qualifier</a>, ended in a 0-0 draw. However, it was the organization of the event that became the focal point of public criticism. Several logistical failures, including inadequate seating arrangements and a lack of basic amenities for fans, marred the match. Spectators reportedly had to endure harsh conditions, with no water available in the 40-degree heat. Also, there was a chaotic seating system that saw fans entering the stadium hours pre-game to secure a place.</p>



<p>These organizational issues have led to widespread dissatisfaction among both home and away fans. The company managing the event has also been summoned for its negligence in providing suitable facilities. The failure to adequately prepare for the match is a key factor in the decision to detain the Football Association officials.</p>



<p>The fallout from the match has raised concerns about the broader impact on Kuwait-Iraq relations. The allegations of spreading false news are particularly sensitive, given the historical and political context between the two countries. The Public Prosecution’s decision to detain the officials reflects the seriousness of these allegations. They could potentially damage the diplomatic ties that both nations have worked to build.</p>



<h2>Legal proceedings and future developments</h2>



<p>As the investigation continues, the detained officials will appear before a re-incarceration judge. That judge will determine whether the officials will be free to go. Or, they may remain in detention until a hearing in a criminal court. This legal process will be closely watched. It may set a precedent for how officials handle similar cases in the future.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, in a separate case, the Criminal Court of Appeal has suspended the six-month prison sentence for former MP Abdullah Fahad Saleh Al Enezi, granting him bail of one thousand dinars. This case, which involves charges of abusing the judiciary, will come to light again in October for final sentencing.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO</em></p>


Soccer president gets 21-day jail term after 0-0 draw

The Public Prosecution has ordered the detention of the President of the Kuwait Soccer Association, Hayef Al Mutairi.

<h3>Iraq National Team TV schedule and streaming links</h3>


<div class="stvs-grid" id="team-321120-44-America/New_York"></div>



<p>Our Iraq National Football Team TV schedule lays out where you can find matches for <em>Usood al-Rafidayn</em>.</p>



<p>Iraq is one of nine nations to have won the AFC Asian Cup (one of eight current nations, as Israel shifted to UEFA in the 1970s).</p>



<p>While this achievement in 2007 (a triumph that earned them a spot in the 2009 Confederations Cup) is the high mark, Iraq have also won first place at the Asian Games (1982), WAFF Championship (2002), Arab Cup (a record four times), Arabian Gulf Cup (also four times – most recently in 2023), the West Asian Games (2005), and Arab Games (1985).</p>



<p>However, Iraq have only qualified for one FIFA World Cup tournament. Mexico ’86 was their lone appearance, where they lost all three group matches, scoring just one goal. </p>



<p><strong>First game:</strong> October 19, 1957 (Draw vs Morocco in Beirut)<strong><br>Manager:</strong> Jesús Casas<strong><br>Best World Cup finish:</strong> 23rd (1986 – Only appearance)<strong><br>Best AFC Asian Cup Finish:</strong> Winners (2007)</p>



<h2>Where can I watch the Iraq match?</h2>



<p>You’ll find the AFC Asian Cup as well as Asian World Cup Qualifiers on Paramount+. These are the major events on Iraq’s plate each cycle.</p>



<p>The World Cup, should Iraq qualify, will continue in 2026 on FOX Sports and Telemundo/Peacock. </p>



<p>Friendlies can pop up on almost any channel that shows soccer, with the varying opponents and locations dictating the broadcast details. Check this page often for the latest games! </p>



<h4>Watch Iraq on Fubo:</h4>


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<h5>Don’t miss aN Iraq national football team match</h5>



<p>Courtesy of World Soccer Talk,&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.</p>



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</table><br><br>To find out when soccer games are on, download the free&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a>&nbsp;which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple iOS devices</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android devices</a>).</p>


Iraq national team TV schedule

Iraq National Team TV schedule and streaming links Our Iraq National Football Team TV schedule lays out where you can find matches for Usood al-Rafidayn. Iraq is one of nine nations to have won the AFC Asian Cup (one of eight current nations, as Israel shifted to UEFA in the 1970s). While this achievement in [&hellip;]

Our Iraq National Team TV schedule lays out where you can find matches for Usood al-Rafidayn for viewers in the USA.

Iraq national team TV schedule - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Iraq. Find out about all the news related to Iraq on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Iraq"

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Iraq national team TV schedule