Iran is surrounded by doubts and the international coalition is preparing an “emergency scenario.”
The International Federation of Football (FIFA) is preparing for the possibility of Iran’s withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup with a new idea that 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-Herzegovina on penalties in the European play-off final, the Nazionale could still have a final chance to change their fate.
The Iranian team’s stance on participating in the tournament, set to take place next summer, remains unclear amid the ongoing war in Iran, despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s assurances of the Asian team’s presence in Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand.
As of now, Iran is scheduled to kick off their campaign on June 16 against New Zealand, then face Belgium in California, and finally meet 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 rejected moving the team’s matches outside the United States, putting the international body in an awkward situation just weeks before the tournament.
However, FIFA appears to be preparing an emergency scenario: according to a report by RMC Sport, citing “The Athletic,” discussions are ongoing within FIFA about the possibility of organizing an exceptional intercontinental play-off in case of Iran’s withdrawal.
This play-off would bring together two Asian and two European teams among those not qualified for the tournament.
Thanks to their world ranking, Italy seems like a near-certain candidate to occupy one of the two European spots in this potential play-off if Iran’s withdrawal is officially confirmed.
Italy had lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina, failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time after the 2018 and 2022 editions, leading to Gennaro Gattuso’s departure from the coaching staff and the Italian Football Federation president’s eviction.
Likewise, the United Arab Emirates team could be a candidate for participation in this exceptional play-off, as they were eliminated by Iraq, who secured their spot in the playoff and ultimately secured a place in the final phase.
