Nigeria, March 4 -- Over the past five days, Israel and the US have launched strikes on Iranian targets, with Tehran retaliating against US-allied states in the Gulf. The conflict casts uncertainty over Iran's participation in the summer tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran, qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup, could boycott the event. When asked, Trump told Politico: "I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes."

If Iran withdraws, Iraq and the UAE stand to benefit. Iraq could secure a spot by winning an intercontinental play-off against Bolivia or Suriname on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. Should Iraq qualify, the UAE would likely inherit Iran's group-sta...