{"id":162764,"date":"2026-04-14T16:16:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/italy-still-dreaming-of-the-world-cup\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T16:28:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:28:52","slug":"italy-still-dreaming-of-the-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/en\/italy-still-dreaming-of-the-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy still dreaming of the World Cup!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Italy and its national soccer team are keeping alive the hope of participating in the 2026 World Cup through a possible extraordinary play-off if FIFA<\/a> decides to act in the eventual withdrawal of Iran due to the conflict with the United States.<\/p>\n

The Azzurri, who failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing in the play-off final to Bosnia and Herzegovina, are keeping a close eye on a possible scenario in which Iran’s eventual withdrawal could open the door to a World Cup berth, according to local media reports on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

FIFA rules and extraordinary play-off scenario<\/h2>\n
\"Italy
PHOTO: EFE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the event of an Iranian resignation, article 6.7 of FIFA’s regulations, presided over by Italian-Swiss Gianni Infantino, states that world soccer’s governing body may appoint a replacement at its discretion.<\/p>\n

In this context, Italy’s position in the FIFA ranking, currently in 12th place, could play in its favor.<\/p>\n

However, the options are still considered remote and another possible avenue would be for the vacant slot to be filled by another Asian team.<\/p>\n

In the hypothetical case of an exceptional play-off, two European teams could participate.<\/p>\n

Possibly the best positioned in the ranking among the non-qualifiers, such as Italy and Denmark, and two Asian countries, to play in the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n

The system would contemplate semifinals and a single-leg final to decide the final qualifier.<\/p>\n

FIFA date not set: Italy awaits key decision<\/h2>\n
\"FIFA\"
PHOTO: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At this time there is no definite timetable for a decision on the matter.<\/p>\n

Everything will depend on the evolution of the situation in the Middle East and the official confirmation of Iran’s participation.<\/p>\n

In addition, the final decision would rest with the FIFA Council, the organization’s main decision-making body, composed of 37 members and chaired by Infantino.<\/p>\n

This body would be in charge of determining how to fill an eventual vacancy in Group G of the tournament, in which Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand await.<\/p>\n

The options are still considered remote<\/p>Qu\u00e9Onnda.com<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n

Likewise, the resolution should be adopted well in advance of the start of the championship, scheduled for June 11.<\/p>\n

The regulations establish financial penalties for teams that withdraw less than 30 days before their first match.<\/p>\n

This places May 12 as a theoretical deadline.<\/p>\n

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) thus remains on standby for a possible pathway to the 2026 World Cup after the disaster of failing to qualify for the third consecutive time.<\/p>\n

With information from EFE<\/em><\/p>\n

For more information, visit Qu\u00e9Onnda.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Italy and its national soccer team are keeping alive the hope of participating in the 2026 World Cup through a possible extraordinary play-off if FIFA decides to act in the eventual withdrawal of Iran due to the conflict with the United States. 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