Qatar will lose the right to host the fourth qualifying round, Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup scenario

CNN Indonesia predicts that the current tense atmosphere in the Middle East will put Qatar at risk of losing the right to host the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

World Cup 2026 affected by hot situation in Middle East

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been designated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as the hosts of two groups in the fourth qualifying round, competing for the region's two remaining tickets to the 2026 World Cup, playing from October 8 to 14.

The two teams from these countries, along with four teams from Indonesia, Oman, UAE and Iraq, are the teams participating in the upcoming important round, divided into two groups of three teams each. The draw took place on July 17.

Indonesia hopes to be awarded the right to host the fourth qualifying round by FIFA and AFC if Qatar loses the right, to have a chance to attend the 2026 World Cup.

Photo: Reuters

However, with the current unpredictable developments in the Middle East, it is likely that the AFC and FIFA ( the world football body) will review the situation. This includes considering moving the fourth qualifying round of the Asian region to another location. The reason is that the safety of the players must be the top priority of the AFC and FIFA, CNN Indonesia said.

"FIFA and AFC will certainly not wait until the fourth qualifying round to make a decision. Considering the need for time to prepare accommodation, other organizational logistics... FIFA and AFC will make a decision on this issue (changing the venue) at the latest by the end of August or early September. Considering the current time, there are still about 3 and a half months left before the event takes place," CNN Indonesia expressed.

Also according to CNN Indonesia, the possibility that FIFA and AFC will have to change the venue for the fourth qualifying round is quite high, especially Qatar, because so far the parties including the US, Iran, Israel and other Middle Eastern countries have not reached an agreement to end the war and are only at a limited ceasefire level, which means the situation in the region is still quite fragile.

If the situation remains unstable until the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, about a month before, it is entirely possible that the AFC and FIFA will have to move the competition venues in Qatar and Saudi Arabia to other countries, CNN Indonesia emphasized.

Scenario: Iran still attends 2026 World Cup, not competes in the US

According to the British newspaper, the Guardian , FIFA has yet to intervene to make any comments regarding the current situation. Specifically, in the case of the Iranian team, the team has won the right to participate in the 2026 World Cup held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Therefore, so far there has been no impact that could cause the Iranian team to lose the right to participate in the 2026 World Cup as some rumors currently say.

Indonesia team continues to conquer the dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup

Photo: Reuters

"FIFA still has many solutions to resolve the current situation peacefully, without any impact. The Iranian team will not have to play in the US, this is by setting a special rule that Iran will immediately enter Group A with co-hosts Mexico.

If they win their group, they will play in the round of 32 and if they advance to the round of 16, both in Mexico. Iran will only play in the US if they finish second in Group A, or are among the eight best third-placed teams. However, in their history at the World Cup, Iran have never advanced beyond the group stage," the Guardian said.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup finals will be held in December this year in the United States. Most likely, if the current heated situation in the Middle East remains unchanged, FIFA will certainly have special rules applied to the draw involving the Iranian team, according to the Guardian .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/qatar-se-mat-quyen-dang-cai-vong-loai-thu-tu-kich-ban-iran-du-world-cup-2026-18525062408572152.htm