Iran is surrounded by doubts and the international coalition is preparing an “emergency scenario”.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is preparing for the eventuality of the Iranian team withdrawing from the 2026 World Cup with a new idea, which would give hope to the Italian team to participate in the next World Cup, organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Although Italy’s dreams of returning to the world stage were shattered after their defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoff final, the Nazionale could still have one last chance to change their fate.
The position of the Iranian team regarding their participation in the tournament, scheduled for next summer, remains unclear in the context of the war Iran is engaged in, despite assurances from Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, about the Asian team’s presence in Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand.
As of the time of writing, Iran is set to begin their campaign in the tournament on June 16 against New Zealand, then facing Belgium in California, and meeting Egypt at Seattle’s “Lumen Field.”
Barrage Intercontinental for the First Time
The Iranian team may be forced to withdraw from the World Cup, especially since FIFA has refused to move the team’s matches outside the United States, putting the international organization in an embarrassing situation just weeks before the tournament starts.
But FIFA seems to be preparing an emergency scenario: according to a report from RMC Sport, citing “The Athletic” newspaper, discussions are ongoing within FIFA about the possibility of organizing an exceptional intercontinental playoff in case of Iran’s withdrawal.
This playoff would involve two Asian and two European teams among those not qualified for the tournament.
Thanks to its world ranking, Italy is seen as a likely candidate to occupy one of the two European spots in this potential playoff if Iran’s withdrawal is officially confirmed.
Italy had lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina, failing once again to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time after the 2018 and 2022 editions, a disaster that led to Gennaro Gattuso’s departure from the coaching staff and the dismissal of the Italian Football Federation president.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates team could be a candidate for participation in this exceptional playoff, as they were eliminated by Iraq, who qualified for the World Cup playoff and secured their spot in the final phase.
