Insider claims FIFA could hand Iran's World Cup spot to nation that hasn't qualified since 2014
Former Manchester United assistant manager and current Iraq coach Rene Meulensteen has revealed the nation that could replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup.
This summer, the latest edition of the World Cup will take place across the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.
Iran are set to take on Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, having been drawn in Group G.
However, following the United States and Israel's attacks on the nation, it has been claimed that Iran might not take part in the World Cup.
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Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said: "Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup. Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.
"Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence."
Speaking on talkSPORT, Meulensteen claimed that FIFA could end up making the call on who replaces Iran in the 48-country field.
He said: "Through the AFC, we are the highest ranked team.
"So we would then take Iran's place. And then UAE might step in to replace us to play the winner of Suriname and Bolivia."
Meulensteen continued: "But there's also rumours that if FIFA makes the final decision, they might push the highest-ranked FIFA team to replace Iran, which is Italy.
"You can think, who would they rather have at the World Cup?"
Having failed to qualify for 2018 and 2022, Italy last played in the World Cup in 2014.
The Azzurri are taking on Northern Ireland in the UEFA play-off. If they win, they will take on either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the World Cup.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino stated that after meeting with Donald Trump, Iran are welcome to play in the tournament.
Part of the statement read: "We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States."
Topics: FIFA, FIFA World Cup, Football
Marcus Chan