FIFA Could Slam Iran with Severe Sanctions if World Cup 2026 Boycott Becomes Reality
Two weeks following the initial U.S. military strikes against Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Middle Eastern country has declared its intention to pull out of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, a competition jointly hosted by the United States.
"Given that this illegitimate government has murdered our leader, we cannot under any conditions take part in the World Cup," Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali stated on national television Wednesday, according to Reuters.
"Our youth are not secure and, essentially, such circumstances for involvement do not exist. Considering the hostile acts they have committed against Iran, they have imposed two conflicts on us within eight or nine months and have killed and made martyrs of thousands of our citizens. Consequently, we definitely cannot maintain such participation."
Iran—the third country to secure qualification for this summer's tournament—will become the first team since 1950 to declare its World Cup withdrawal after qualifying, creating an unprecedented situation in the modern era for how FIFA, soccer's global governing body, will react or what sanctions it will levy against Iran.
Will Iran Face Punishments from FIFA?
Will Iran Face Punishments from FIFA?
If Iran formalizes its withdrawal, the nature and extent of Iran's penalties depends on how the withdrawal is categorized. Should FIFA deem the withdrawal as resulting from "force majeure," a French term indicating extraordinary or unpredictable circumstances, then the penalty may be reduced or completely waived "at the exclusive judgment" of FIFA, based on the organization's World Cup regulations manual.
A "force majeure" designation appears probable for Iran, considering the U.S.'s significant military operation is now in its third week of regional conflict and ongoing aerial bombardments of Tehran.
President Donald Trump's latest social media statement, which explicitly questions the safety of Iranian players, might be the deciding factor for a "force majeure" classification and could actually benefit Iran's position.
"The Iran National Soccer Team is invited to the World Cup, but I genuinely don't think it is suitable that they attend, for their own well-being and security," Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday.
Though drastic, FIFA has the authority to reschedule or relocate one or more of Iran's games "for any cause at its exclusive discretion, including due to force majeure or because of health, safety or security issues," suggesting Iran could potentially play its three U.S.-based group stage contests in Mexico or Canada alternatively, the other two tournament co-hosts.
What Punishments Could Iran Face?
What Punishments Could Iran Face?
Should Iran's withdrawal not be considered "of force majeure," Iran will face a minimum fine of $316,605.25 from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee if the withdrawal occurs at least 30 days before the tournament's opening match. If announced fewer than 30 days beforehand, Iran will be penalized at least double that sum.
Iran would also be obligated to repay the organization for all team preparation funds, totaling $1.5 million, and any additional "tournament-related contribution payments" they obtained.
Beyond monetary consequences, Iran could face exclusion from future FIFA tournaments. The organization also maintains the authority to substitute Iran with another association for the competition. Iraq is presently considered the most probable replacement as the top-ranked Asian country not yet qualified.
Iran is presently set to begin competition in Group G at Los Angeles Stadium, meeting New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21. The team would then move to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26.