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Italy faces World Cup lifeline as Iran’s participation is in doubt amidst US tensions, FIFA stance and political risks could open a late door for the Azzurri.
Gianluigi Donnarumma reacts after being defeated during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification final football match against Bosnia (Picture credit: AFP)
The Italian football team, which completed a hat-trick of not being able to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, might still end up as lucky losers if Iran’s political feud with the United States of America leads to their non-participation in the marquee event, which starts in less than two months.
The FIFA World Cup is all set to start on June 11, but uncertainty lingers over Iran’s participation because of its recent military tensions with the United States, one of the co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada.
A conditional two-week ceasefire remains in effect between Iran and the United States, but with talks failing to yield a breakthrough, doubts persist over whether lasting peace will follow.
Should hostilities resume, Iran’s place at the FIFA World Cup could face further uncertainty. Gianni Infantino reiterated that FIFA wants Iran to compete at the World Cup, stressing that there is ‘no plan B, C or D, only plan A’, while adding that Iran represents its people both at home and abroad.
But Donald Trump, who shares close ties with Infantino, issued a stark warning to Iran’s footballers, saying that while they would be welcome at the FIFA World Cup, he didn’t believe it was appropriate for them to take part given concerns over their ‘life and safety’.
Italy couldn’t bag qualification for the FIFA World Cup after a shock play-off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this month, meaning the four-time champions have now missed three straight editions, having last appeared in 2014.
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso stepped down after the setback, saying, “With a heavy heart and having fallen short of our objective, I am ending my tenure as national team manager.”
But a faint glimmer of hope has emerged for the Azzurri, with Iraq assistant coach René Meulensteen suggesting that, as the highest-ranked team in the AFC pathway, Iraq could take Iran’s place, while the United Arab Emirates might then step in to face the winner of Suriname and Bolivia.
“But there are also rumours that if FIFA makes the final decision, they might push the highest-ranked FIFA team to replace Iran, which is Italy,” Meulensteen said.
April 13, 2026, 12:51 IST
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