Indonesia to benefit if Iran is banned from 2026 World Cup

(Dan Tri) - Indonesia could increase its chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup if FIFA punishes Iran.

Iran is one of the first teams in Asia to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. However, they are facing the risk of being banned from the tournament taking place in the US, Mexico and Canada next summer.

Iran is at risk of being banned from competing in the 2026 World Cup (Photo: Getty).

Iran and Israel have been conducting military attacks on each other in recent times. Tensions escalated when on the evening of June 22, the US joined the fight by sending many B-2 bombers to attack three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

FIFA is likely to ban Iran from the 2026 World Cup. Russia has been similarly punished by FIFA in the past for its involvement in a special military operation in Ukraine. Previously, Yugoslavia was also banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions in the 1990s for fighting in the Balkans.

If Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup, the Asian region will have an extra place to participate in the biggest tournament on the planet. Most likely, this place will be allocated for the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Initially, the top two teams in each group (3 teams in each group) will have direct tickets to the 2026 World Cup. The second-placed teams in each group will participate in a play-off to find the Asian team to participate in the Intercontinental play-off.

However, FIFA now gives the top three teams in the fourth qualifying round a direct ticket to the World Cup if Iran is eliminated. This inadvertently increases Indonesia's chances of getting a ticket.

Indonesia could increase its chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup (Photo: AFC).

In addition, with the current unpredictable developments in the Middle East, it is possible that FIFA and AFC will consider stripping Qatar and Saudi Arabia of the hosting rights to move the two groups to another location. The reason is that the safety of the players must be the top priority. At that time, Indonesia can completely apply to host and gain an advantage at this stage.

According to the Guardian (UK), FIFA has not yet intervened to make any comments related to the current situation. However, they can completely intervene when the situation becomes more unpredictable.

On July 17, the draw for the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup will take place. At that time, Indonesia will know its opponents on the journey to find a ticket to attend the biggest football festival on the planet.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/indonesia-huong-loi-neu-iran-bi-cam-du-world-cup-2026-20250624144407383.htm