Italy failed to qualify for World Cup 2026 in March when they were pipped to a place by Bosnia & Herzegovina in the playoffs, however, the Azzurri could yet be offered a dramatic, late route to the tournament, according to reports.
With Iran’s World Cup participation in question, FIFA is said to be quietly discussing a contingency plan to fill the vacant spot in Group G involving a hastily arranged intercontinental playoff.
The proposition is said to feature a format that would see two teams from the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and two nations from UEFA competing to replace Iran.
Italy were among the sides unable to make the cut through standard qualification channels, though this potential late shuffle could hand them a lifeline in a move that would have a massive knock-on effect on odds for the tournament as well as the World Cup 2026 betting offers that accompany them.
How the door could open for Italy
If FIFA’s idea for an intercontinental playoff is solidified, Italy could be one of the nations given an opportunity to earn a berth in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
Any such playoff fixtures could be hosted at major U.S. venues as a prelude to the main event itself, with grounds including the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Lumen Field in Seattle reportedly among the locations under consideration to stage them.
Football’s governing body will need to settle on the criteria for playoff selection, though FIFA’s official world rankings could inform their decisions.
At present, Italy sit in 12th place in those official listings and 9th within UEFA’s corresponding rankings in Europe. Crucially, the Azzurri are the highest-ranked nation among those that did not qualify for the 2026 Finals.
On that basis, Italy would be an almost automatic selection for one of the two UEFA slots if any extra playoffs occurred. Under the same criteria and rankings, the second UEFA participant would likely be Denmark, who lost their original do-or-die playoff fixture against Czechia.
Currently, this new playoff scenario remains theoretical and depends entirely on Iran’s withdrawal. FIFA are unlikely to make any official announcements about the situation and the organisation would be keen, if possible, to avoid any last-minute disruptions.
However, discussions around how to tackle an Iran exit are almost certainly taking place, with Italy waiting in the wings to reignite their World Cup 2026 qualification hopes.
Italy could add star quality to the World Cup
Italy’s penalty shootout loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina in March was a source of major heartache for the football-loving nation and meant that they had failed to qualify for the World Cup tournament in succession.
The Italians also exited at the Group Stage of the last two World Cups they qualified for in 2010 and 2014, though the Azzurri are still considered a powerhouse name in international football and their absence this summer would be lamented.
Few countries have as much historical weight and pedigree in the World Cup as Italy, who have lifted the trophy as champions in 1934, 1938, 1982 and most recently in 2006.
Their fall from grace over the last decade has been remarkable however, and if they do miss out again in 2026, it could potentially be 16 years before they perform at the World Cup stage again, and that’s if they manage to end their exile by qualifying for the 2030 edition in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Italy were perhaps a little unfortunate to miss out on World Cup 2026 qualification initially, having won six of their eight group matches, and they were in command against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the playoffs before Alessandro Bastoni’s first-half red card turned the game on its head.
With stars like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Federico Dimarco, Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella and Matteo Politano in their ranks, Italy would enter any new playoff situation as strong favourites against most possible opponents, however, for the time being at least, they must play a tense waiting game.
As the summer approaches, all eyes remain fixed on developments involving Iran, with Italian supporters and players alike clinging to hope that World Cup 2026 participation is still possible. FIFA could have a major decision to make very soon.
