FIFA World Cup 2026: Italy's hopes of World Cup qualification were shattered for a third straight time after they failed to overcome Bosnia-Herzegovina in the European Qualifiers. However, as the World Cup approaches, the qualification hopes have taken a major twist for the Azurris.
A potential backdoor route has opened up for the four-time World Cup winners. According to The Athletic, FIFA is internally assessing the situation in the Middle East and the uncertainty over Iran's participation in the upcoming WC. With geopolitical tensions hitting a peak, it is unlikely that the Iranian team will be playing in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How Can Italy Still Qualify For FIFA World Cup 2026?
For now, Italy's pathway remains purely hypothetical, hinging on circumstances
beyond its control. Any potential return depends entirely on Iran withdrawing, a scenario FIFA has publicly dismissed, even if contingency plans are quietly being considered behind the scenes.
Even in such a situation, the route back would be far from simple. FIFA would need to sanction an exceptional process, likely involving multiple confederations rather than awarding a direct replacement spot. Several possible scenarios have been floated:
- A one-off intercontinental playoff featuring European and Asian teams
- Italy is potentially included among the top European non-qualifiers based on rankings
- A mini-tournament involving two European and two Asian sides
- Winner(s) stepping in to fill the vacancy if Iran withdraws
- Asian contenders such as the United Arab Emirates will also be in the mix
"It's a continental matter. It really seems very difficult to me that there could be an issue, unless one arises within Europe," said Andrea Abodi, Minister of Sports in the Italian government.
"I don't think so, and I wouldn't even hope for it," he added, dismissing the over-optimism of the Azzurri fans. However, even with contingency plans in place, the chances of playing in the WC remain really grim. But for Italy, those permutations and combinations will be set aside, and the main aim in front will be to orchestrate a remontada, probably the only time in the history of World Cups!
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