Italy keep faint hope of extraordinary play-off if Iran withdraw from 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Italy, beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final and facing a third straight World Cup absence, see a slim lifeline if Iran withdraw from 2026. The fallout cost coach Genaro Gattuso and federation president Gabriele Gravina their jobs.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, a FIFA rule, article 6.7, allows the governing body to choose a replacement at its discretion if Iran renounce their place amid conflict with the United States, though there are no clear precedents and the process remains uncertain.

Italy are 12th in the FIFA ranking, the highest among non-qualifiers, which could help, although chances are described as remote. Another possibility is that the vacancy goes to an Asian side.

In a hypothetical extraordinary play-off, two European teams, likely the best-ranked non-qualifiers such as Italy and Denmark, and two Asian sides, with the United Arab Emirates well placed, could contest one-off semi-finals and a final for the last berth.

No timetable has been set. Any decision depends on developments in the Middle East and confirmation of Iran’s participation. The FIFA Council, 37 members chaired by Gianni Infantino, would decide how to fill any Group G vacancy, where Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand await.

With the tournament starting on 11 June, withdrawals fewer than 30 days before a team’s first match carry financial sanctions, making 12 May a theoretical deadline. FIFA has so far refused to move Iran’s fixtures, all scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. Italy wait for any opening back into the tournament.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo