Could Nigeria’s Super Eagles replace Iran at World Cup 2026? FIFA boss Infantino speaks

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made it clear that there is no backup plan if Iran decide to pull out of the 2026 World Cup, despite growing political tension and talk of a boycott, Afrik-Foot reports.

Infantino’s comments come at a time when uncertainty continues to surround Iran’s participation, while countries such as Nigeria watch developments closely.

The FIFA chief has taken a firm and consistent position, insisting that Iran remain part of the World Cup plans, and there is no alternative being considered.

Speaking about the situation in an interview with N+, he said: “Iran represents its people, those who live in Iran and those who live abroad. They qualified for this World Cup on the field; they were a team that qualified very early.

“It’s a football-mad country. We want them to play; they will play in the World Cup, and there are no plans B, C, or D; it’s plan A. We live in the real world and we know what the situation is, which is very complicated, but we are working and we are going to make sure that Iran plays this World Cup in the best conditions.”

FIFA’s position is rooted in sporting merit. Iran earned their place on the pitch, and the governing body does not want off-field issues to change that outcome. Behind the scenes, Infantino has also held talks with Donald Trump to ensure Iran’s team would be allowed entry and could compete safely in North America, where the tournament will be hosted.

FIFA: Iran signal boycott amid political, security concerns

While FIFA remain optimistic, the tone from Tehran is very different. Iranian officials have openly questioned whether the country can take part in a tournament hosted largely in the United States.

Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali was direct in his assessment, pointing to recent conflict and loss of life.

He said: “Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran – they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people – definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup.”

The situation has been further complicated by reports of visa issues and ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.

Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, also admitted that the mood around the national team has changed following recent events.

He said: “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

There have even been suggestions of a partial boycott, with Iran potentially refusing to play matches on U.S. soil. However, such a move would almost certainly lead to sanctions from FIFA.

As things stand, the gap between FIFA’s determination to include Iran and Iran’s own doubts about participation continues to widen.

What would it take for Nigeria to replace Iran?

Despite growing speculation, the reality is that Nigeria are not currently in line to benefit from Iran’s possible withdrawal.

FIFA’s rules traditionally favour replacing a withdrawing team with another from the same continental federation. In this case, that would mean another Asian side, not Nigeria, who belong to the Confederation of African Football.

For the Super Eagles to be considered, several unlikely conditions would need to be met.

First, FIFA would have to abandon Infantino’s ‘no Plan B’ stance and decide to invite a replacement team. At present, the president has ruled this out completely.

FIFA would then need to move away from its usual continental replacement policy and consider teams globally. This could open the door to the highest-ranked teams not already qualified, where Nigeria might come into the conversation.

Alternatively, Nigeria would need a favourable ruling in their ongoing appeal at CAS involving the NFF’s dispute with DR Congo over player eligibility from their intercontinental playoff defeat. A decision in Nigeria’s favour could create another route into the tournament, separate from Iran’s situation.

There is also a sporting argument being made by some observers, especially after Nigeria’s recent 2-1 friendly win over Iran. Supporters believe that result shows the Super Eagles have the quality to compete at World Cup level.

However, none of these factors currently outweigh FIFA’s firm position. Iran remain part of the tournament plans, and unless there is a dramatic shift in both political and sporting decisions, Nigeria’s hopes of a late call-up remain slim.