Russian sports commentator and television presenter Dmitry Guberniev called on March 11 for Russia to take Iran's place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, following Iran's announcement that it would withdraw from the tournament citing the killing of its supreme leader.

"Iran's place at the World Cup should be taken by Russia! Karpin's sons will beat Mexico 8-3 in the final! America will falter in the semi-final 7-10, and Argentina in the quarter-final 5-13!" Guberniev wrote on his social media accounts on March 11.

The remarks, though delivered with characteristic hyperbole, touch on a genuine question now circulating in Russian football circles: whether FIFA might be pressured to readmit Russia given the vacancy left by Iran's departure.

Russia has been banned from all FIFA and UEFA competitions since March 2022 following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and there is no indication from football's governing bodies that any reinstatement is under consideration.

Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed the withdrawal earlier on March 11, saying that given the US government had "killed our supreme leader," participation in a tournament hosted partly on American soil was impossible under current conditions.

Iran had been drawn alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with all three of its group stage matches scheduled to be played in the United States. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.

Former Russian international Alexander Mostovoy also weighed in on the prospect of Iran's withdrawal on March 11, according to Sovetsky Sport, though his remarks were not detailed in the source material.

Russia's national team, coached by Valery Karpin, has been unable to qualify for or compete in any major international tournament since the ban took effect four years ago.

According to FIFA regulations, withdrawal less than 30 days before the start of the tournament carries a fine of 250,000 Swiss francs (approximately $320,000).