FIFA could ban Iran from playing if they withdraw from the World Cup.

Iran could be subjected to disciplinary actions by FIFA, which might include being barred from participating in upcoming competitions, should they pull out of the World Cup finals on their own.

Last week, President Donald Trump told Politico that he "really doesn't care" if Iran does not participate in the tournament taking place this summer. However, FIFA still reaffirms its commitment to holding the World Cup with the full participation of all qualified national teams..

The World Cup is no stranger to controversies and tensions, but this summer's finals have already shown signs of instability early on. Iran's Football Federation President, Mehdi Taj, last week also raised doubts about the team's participation by stating that "we cannot be expected to approach the World Cup with optimism". However, withdrawing from the tournament might not be straightforward.

According to FIFA regulations, member associations are not allowed to withdraw from competitions they have entered. Refusing to participate in the World Cup after qualifying is almost unheard of in modern football. The last time a team withdrew after being drawn into the finals was at the 1950 FIFA World Cup, when France and India did not attend due to excessively high travel costs.

According to The Guardian, FIFA has prepared protective regulations for such cases in the tournament rules. Accordingly, if a team withdraws before the competition begins, they will have to pay fines ranging from 275,000 euros (approximately 238,000 pounds) to 555,000 euros, depending on the timing of the withdrawal. Simultaneously, the case will be forwarded to FIFA's disciplinary committee, which can impose sporting sanctions.

FIFA's regulations state: "Associations that participate but withdraw at any stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 must repay all funds received from FIFA for national team preparation, as well as any tournament-related support."

Additionally, FIFA's disciplinary committee has the authority to impose supplementary sanctions, depending on the timing of withdrawal, the severity of the violation, mitigating circumstances, and other relevant factors.

The regulations further state: "These disciplinary measures may include excluding the concerned association from future FIFA tournaments or replacing them with another team."

Iran has participated in six World Cups, including the last three editions: the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In this year's finals, they are in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. If they finish second in the group stage, Iran could potentially face the United States in the knockout round if that team also finishes second in its group.