by InTrieste
When Iran’s sports minister suggested the country might be unable to compete in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, some Italian fans briefly imagined a backdoor route to the tournament. But under FIFA rules, Italy cannot inherit Iran’s place.
World Cup spots are allocated years in advance through continental quotas. Europe, under UEFA, has 16 slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all accounted for through group winners and playoffs. Any withdrawal by Iran would be filled by another Asian Football Confederation team, likely Iraq or, failing that, the United Arab Emirates. Italy competes under a different confederation and quota, making it ineligible.
Italy’s struggle is largely self-inflicted. The four-time world champion missed the 2018 World Cup after losing a playoff to Sweden and failed again in 2022 after a shock loss to North Macedonia. This cycle saw Luciano Spalletti replaced by Gennaro Gattuso after heavy defeats to Norway.
Italy’s 2026 fate now lies in two playoff matches. On March 26, they face Northern Ireland, with the winner advancing to meet either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Victory in both matches would secure a place in North America; defeat would mark a third consecutive World Cup absence.
The Azzurri’s path is clear: success depends on results on the field, not geopolitics or rule changes.
