Why Italy Could Still Qualify for 2026 World Cup Despite Bosnia Defeat
- Italy missed out on a third straight FIFA World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- A slim lifeline remains if Iran withdraws due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted Iran will play, making Italy’s chances of a late entry highly unlikely
Italy are clinging to the faintest hope of a World Cup lifeline despite a humiliating play-off exit at the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Azzurri were beaten 4-1 on penalties by the Edin Dzeko-led side on March 31, on a night that deepened their recent struggles.
Source: Getty Images
As a result, Italy have now failed to qualify for three consecutive editions of the FIFA World Cup, a major downturn for one of football’s most decorated nations.
However, there remains a slim and unlikely scenario that could yet see Italy feature at the tournament in the United States this summer.
That possibility hinges on the potential withdrawal of the Iranian national football team.
Uncertainty continues to surround Iran’s participation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, one of the joint hosts of the competition.
In February, the US and Israel carried out a joint missile strike on Iran that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further escalating tensions.
Doubts over Iran’s involvement intensified after the country’s sports minister stated that they 'do not have the possibility for participation'.
In response, US President Donald Trump suggested that Iran should withdraw from the tournament 'for their own life and safety'.
Posting on Truth Social, he said:
“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
How Italy could reach World Cup 2026
Iran strongly rejected those remarks, insisting they 'cannot be removed' from the tournament and even suggesting that it should be the United States that withdraw instead.
With no final decision yet made, uncertainty continues to cloud Iran’s status ahead of the competition.
According to FIFA regulations, the governing body will decide on the matter at its 'sole discretion and take any action it deems necessary' if a team withdraws.
Such a development could theoretically open the door for Italy, particularly as they are the highest-ranked side among those who have failed to qualify.
Source: Getty Images
However, it is widely expected that FIFA would instead replace Iran with another team from Asia to maintain the continental balance of participating nations.
Recent comments from FIFA president Gianni Infantino appear to have all but settled the matter, as he stated clearly, via The Mirror:
“We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup. There is no plan B, C or D: there is only plan A. Iran represent their people, both those living in Iran and those living abroad.”
As things stand, Italy’s hopes remain extremely remote, with their World Cup absence set to continue unless an extraordinary turn of events unfolds.
Highest-ranked nations who will miss World Cup
Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported on the five highest-ranked football nations who will miss out on the 2026 World Cup.
The dust has now settled on the qualification process, yet the final list of participants has delivered a surprising twist.
Several of the game’s major nations will miss out, underlining that reputation and ranking do not guarantee any success.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
