What if Italy ultimately played in the World Cup? With the ongoing conflict involving Iran, a spot could indeed open up.
Italy is going through a major crisis after its defeat against Bosnia in the playoffs, meaning a third consecutive absence from the World Cup. A historic failure for the Azzurri, which has triggered a wave of criticism and deep questioning of the Italian football system.
A potential second chance amid uncertainty
The consequences were immediate: federation president Gabriele Gravina, head coach Gennaro Gattuso, and Gianluigi Buffon all stepped down from their roles. A complete rebuild is now underway, with an election scheduled for June 22 to redefine the future of Italian football.
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Despite this elimination, an unexpected scenario could offer a second chance. Due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran, participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain. In the event of a withdrawal, a spot could become available.
Several options are being considered: replacing Iran with another Asian nation or organizing a last-minute playoff between non-qualified teams. In that case, Italy, highly ranked globally, would be among the natural candidates. A decision must be made quickly, before mid-May, while Italy waits for an unlikely opportunity to re-enter the competition.
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