How Italy could still play at 2026 World Cup despite play-off elimination

There could yet be hope for the Azzurri

The football world was left in shock on Tuesday night, as sporting giants Italy were beaten by Bosnia-Herzegovina in a play-off final, confirming that the southern European nation would be absent from their third successive World Cup finals, becoming the first former champions to achieve the unfortunate feat.

Now, 24 hours on from Italy's Zenica heartbreak, a report has emerged suggesting that Italy may yet have a slim chance of still appearing at the tournament, should a specific set of events play out, between now and the tournament.

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Italy's situation all depends on the situation in Iran.

As a result of the on-going military conflict between the Middle Eastern nation and co-hosts USA, there have been serious questions over Iran's participation, especially considering all of the country's games — against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand — are still scheduled to take place on American soil.

While there has been plenty of back-and-forth between FIFA organisers and Donald Trump on one side, and Iranian politicians on the other, it is fair to say that there is still no clear answer as to whether Iran will appear at the tournament.

If it does come to pass that Iran withdraw, FIFA regulations — relayed here by SportBIBLE — provide some indication over what would happen in the case of a withdrawal at this late of a stage.

Article 6.2 states that Iran would be replaced "with a nominated alternate, often the direct runner-up from the relevant qualifying playoff or highest-ranked non-qualified team from that confederation."

This would point to the UAE being the most likely recipient of Iran's place in the World Cup, as the losers of the Asian play-off to Iraq.

However FIFA still maintains the right to adjudicate the matter at its "sole discretion."

Considering Italy are by far the highest-ranked team who have not qualified for the World Cup, they could — hypothetically at least — be chosen by FIFA to take up Iran's spot.

The suggestion was first raised by former Manchester United reserve manager, and current assistant manager of Iraq, Rene Meulensteen.

Speaking to talkSport before Iraq's own qualification had been confirmed, Meulensteen said: "Through the AFC, we are the highest-ranked team. So we would then take Iran's place. And then UAE might step in to replace us to play the winner of Suriname and Bolivia.

"But there's also rumours that if FIFA makes the final decision, they might push the highest-ranked FIFA team to replace Iran, which is Italy."

Italy will now have to wait to see what Iran's final decision on participation is, and in the case of a withdrawal, whether FIFA decide to offer them the opportunity to take their place.