Iran's Participation Uncertainty Gives Italy New Hope for 2026 World Cup
Reports indicate that FIFA is considering organizing a special playoff should Iran not participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
According to the English newspaper "The Athletic," the proposed plan involves four teams – two from Europe and two from Asia – competing for the final qualification spot in the world's biggest football tournament.
This proposal, currently under review by FIFA for a mini-qualification playoff, would offer Italy a new opportunity to compete for a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals, should Iran's absence from the tournament be confirmed.
The same source noted that Italy is considered one of the leading candidates to benefit from this proposal, if adopted, given their history in the tournament and their desire to return to competition after failing to directly qualify for the upcoming edition.
Press reports clarified that the fate of this scenario remains contingent on Iran's final decision, with continuous monitoring by organizers to ensure the stability of the tournament system before its scheduled start next June.
