FIFA considers options as Iran's World Cup participation jeopardizes China's hopes

China's chances of qualifying for the World Cup appear to be fading once again. The last hope also seems at risk of being dashed.

The Guardian reported on the 25th (Korea time) that "the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is considering other options due to the conflict between the United States and Iran, the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup. President Gianni Infantino and the Commissioner are trying to determine whether Iran can play its matches in Mexico instead of the United States."

The outlet noted, "Iran has qualified for the World Cup finals for the fourth consecutive time. However, Iran faces matches in the United States, which has banned its citizens from traveling. FIFA is grappling with how to handle Iran as tensions escalate between Iran and the United States."

Iran is currently at odds with the United States after recently clashing militarily with Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump has already imposed a travel ban on Iranian citizens. Consequently, despite Iran qualifying for the finals as the top team in Group A of the Asian third round qualifiers, there are concerns that political variables could prevent their participation in the World Cup.

The 2026 North American World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, 78 of the total 104 matches, from the group stage to the final, will be held in the United States. Therefore, unless President Trump lifts the travel ban on Iran, issues may arise.

As a result, Chinese football, which has been denied a place in the World Cup for the sixth consecutive time, is dreaming a happy dream. If Iran's World Cup qualification is revoked, the Chinese national team could receive a final opportunity.

China finished the third round of the Group C qualifiers with a record of 3 wins and 7 losses, placing fifth and getting eliminated. Although the number of Asian tickets increased with the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, China did not receive any opportunity. Following the disappointment, the Chinese national team also dismissed coach Branko Ivankovic.

Amid this, the revocation of Iran’s qualification has emerged as the last hope. The Chinese outlet Sohu claimed that "the Chinese Football Association (CFA) is closely communicating with FIFA in preparation for the potential changes in the participants of the 2026 North American World Cup," adding, "If Iran withdraws, teams that were eliminated at the same stage as the World Cup qualifiers will compete for the vacant spot. China may unexpectedly receive a chance for a 'resurrection.'"

The outlet also reported, "Political turmoil has engulfed Iran. FIFA is urgently discussing a worldwide participation ban on Iranian football due to geopolitical conflicts. Iran is a strong Asian team that has qualified for the World Cup seven times, but there are concerns it might follow the same path as Russia, which was expelled from the World Cup three years ago."

However, contrary to China's expectations, FIFA does not seem to be considering a ban on Iran's participation in the World Cup. The Guardian explained that "Iran is under military actions from the Trump administration, and the entry of Iranian citizens into the United States is prohibited. Nevertheless, there is no provision in FIFA regulations preventing Iran from playing group stage matches in the United States. Furthermore, there are exemptions for direct family members of players, staff, and team members participating in the 2026 World Cup."

There are also discussions about Iran playing its group stage matches in Mexico to avoid the United States. If allocated a specific slot in Group A, all group matches would be held in Mexico, and if they place first, the matches up to the Round of 32 and Round of 16 would also be held in Mexico. They must advance at least to the quarterfinals to play in the United States. So far, Iran has never reached the World Cup tournament.

The Guardian stated that "FIFA did not respond to our inquiry. However, it seems they will consider possible options before the World Cup draw, which is scheduled for December. This decision will be a difficult one for President Infantino, who has a close relationship with President Trump, who approved the use of military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend."

There are also similar past cases. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced that Ukraine and Belarus would be separated in the tournament draw. Alexander Čeferin, who is also the chair of the FIFA Tournament Organizing Committee, may reference this precedent.

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