The possible exit of Iran of the World Cup 2026 It opened an unexpected scenario for several selections. Among them appears Boliviawhich is days away from competing in the international playoffs in search of a place in the next World Cup.
The announcement by the Iranian Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamaliregarding the resignation of the Asian team, generated uncertainty about how that quota would be redistributed. Now the final decision will be in the hands of the FIFAwhich must define the path to follow.
The possible impact for Bolivia
Table of Contents
Yes finally Iran confirms his exit from the tournament, the quota corresponding to the Asian Confederation (AFC) He should be reassigned to another team in the region.
In that scenario, The main candidate to occupy that place would be Iraq, which is currently involved in the playoff system.
The decision would not be minor because it would modify the international playoff table in which he participates. Bolivia.
The scenario that takes the most strength
The alternative that today appears to be the most probable indicates that Irak would go directly to the group stage of the World Cup 2026.
If this happens, his place in the playoffs could be taken by United Arab Emiratesa team that lost the internal playoff of the Asian qualifiers.
With this option, Bolivia would maintain its current schedule and would still be obligated to win two matches to get a ticket to the World Cup.
The other possibility that FIFA analyzes
There is also a different alternative within the discussions.
In case Irak fill the quota Iranthe match between Bolivia y Surinam It could be directly transformed into a kind of final for access to the tournament.
This scenario would eliminate the need to play a second playoff match, although it would depend on logistical decisions that are still under analysis.
When does Bolivia play the playoffs
The Bolivian team already has a date for its first match heading to the World Cup 2026.
The team will face Surinam he March 26 in it BBVA Stadium in Monterreyin Mexicofrom the 19:00 (Argentina time).
If he manages to advance, his next rival would be Irakin a duel scheduled for March 31.
Meanwhile, the FIFA You must define in the coming days what will happen to the quota that could be left free. Irana decision that could completely alter the path to the World Cup.
