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Nigeria’s hopes of a dramatic late route into the 2026 World Cup remain firmly on hold after FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated that Iran are still fully expected to take their place at the tournament, Footynaija reports.
Infantino’s comments comes despite mounting political tensions and increasing talk of a Iran boycott.
Uncertainty has surrounded Iran’s participation for weeks, with concerns over security, visas and diplomatic relations with World Cup co-hosts the United States. That has inevitably sparked speculation in countries like Nigeria, where the Super Eagles are watching closely for any unexpected opportunity. But FIFA’s stance, for now, leaves little room for such scenarios.
When FIFA leader Gianni Infantino gifted Donald Trump a specially created Peace Prize at December’s World Cup draw, he did not expect to see, three months later, the U.S. president warning a World Cup team of fatal consequences if it dared to venture to the tournament this… pic.twitter.com/pmTRJrMJWQ
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 13, 2026
Infantino has been unequivocal in his position, stressing that Iran’s qualification was earned on the pitch and must be respected.
Speaking to 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.”
Behind the scenes, Infantino has also held discussions with Donald Trump in an effort to ensure Iran’s team would be granted entry and compete safely in North America.
However, the mood in Tehran paints a very different picture. Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali has openly questioned participation, citing recent conflicts 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.”
⛔️🏆 In Iran, they RULE OUT the National Team PLAYING IN THE WORLD CUP.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 11, 2026
🗣️ Ahmad Donyamali, the Sports Minister of Iran: “Ever since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we lack the conditions to participate in the World Cup. We were forced to wage two wars in eight… https://t.co/ZQ8d4DVQfz pic.twitter.com/JQPk7lWSXI
That stance has been reinforced by Mehdi Taj, who acknowledged a growing sense of unease around the national team.
He said: “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”
For Nigeria, though, the path to replacing Iran remains highly complicated. FIFA regulations traditionally favour selecting a replacement from the same confederation – in this case, Asia – rather than turning to Africa. That alone significantly weakens the Super Eagles’ chances.
Beyond that, Infantino’s insistence that there is no ‘Plan B” means FIFA are not currently considering any replacement at all. For Nigeria to benefit, the governing body would first need to reverse that stance, then abandon its usual continental policy to allow a global selection process.
Matchday for DR Congo!
— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) March 31, 2026
Go get that #FIFAWorldCup spot, Leopards. 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/yQfsoiELCJ
Another possible route lies outside the Iran situation entirely. Nigeria are still pursuing a case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport related to a dispute with DR Congo over player eligibility following their intercontinental playoff defeat. A favourable ruling there could, in theory, open an alternative path to qualification.
As things stand, FIFA’s position is clear and unchanged. Iran remain part of the World Cup plans, and unless there is a significant shift in both political and sporting circumstances, Nigeria’s chances of a late invitation remain remote.
