FIFA could trigger rarely-used clause if World Cup play-off match called off

A little-known clause in FIFA's regulations can be triggered if a World Cup play-off match is called off due to an unforeseen event.

As we covered on Wednesday, Iraq’s participation in ‌the World Cup inter-confederation playoffs remains uncertain amid the travel chaos triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Iraq are scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname on March 31 for a spot at this summer's competition, but there are concerns about whether the match in Monterrey, Mexico, will go ahead as planned.

Before the conflict in the Middle East, there had already been concerns raised over World Cup matches being hosted in Mexico amid gang-related violence.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino attempted to ease those concerns, stating that he was "not worried" about the situation, but after the US and Israel launched air attacks on Iran, Iraqi airspace has been closed.

Gianni Infantino has attempted to ease concerns regarding the World Cup situation. Image credit: Getty

FIFA have told the IFA that the play-off will go ahead, according to The Guardian, though a source 'close to the Iraqi team' told the outlet that 'there are lots of obstacles to overcome'.

Iraq's players have not been able to train together due to the ongoing conflict.

On Wednesday, the Iraq national team gave an update on the situation in a statement as they mentioned head coach Graham Arnold, who is currently based in the UAE.

“FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of every development regarding our team’s situation,” it read.

“Because of airspace closures, our head coach Graham Arnold is unable to ⁠leave the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several ⁠embassies remain closed at the present time, preventing several players, technical and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico."

The statement added: “We assure our loyal supporters that we remain ⁠in close contact with both FIFA and the AFC, who are keeping tabs on the situation.”

Iran are scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Mexico on March 31. Image credit: Getty

So what if Iran pull out of the World Cup? Article 6 of FIFA's 2026 World Cup regulations focuses on cases of non-participation, with regulation 6.5 relating to "force majeure", which is an unforeseen event.

It states: "If a Participating Member Association withdraws or a match cannot be played or is abandoned as a result of force majeure, the authorised FIFA organising body (including the Tournament Operation Centre) shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary."

It adds: "If a match is not played or is abandoned as a result of force majeure, the confederation and the two participating member associations shall agree on a resolution to be presented to and approved by FIFA."

Regulation 6.7 then says: "If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary. FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association."

In short, FIFA has two options if Iran do not, or cannot play, at this summer's World Cup. They can either draft in a replacement nation, or alter the rules so Iran's group would be a three-team section.

Iran are scheduled to feature in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.