Italy failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 after it lost 1-4 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Iran has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup.

America and Israel's joint attack on Iran back in February and the subsequent war that has broken out has plunged the country's place at this summer's World Cup into doubt.

US special envoy Zampolli hopes for Italy involvement Doubts remain over Iran’s participation at tournament An envoy to Donald Trump has asked Fifa to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. The plan is an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, after the two fell out amid the American president’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have been urged to kick out Iran from the forthcoming World Cup to be replaced by Italy by a US Special Envoy

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is closely watching developments after Iran issued a significant update regarding its plans for the competition, adding another layer of intrigue just weeks before kickoff. With the countdown to the 2026 World Cup now entering its final stretch, fresh attention has turned toward one of the tournament’s qualified nations. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is closely watching developments after Iran issued a significant update regarding its plans for the competition, adding another layer of intrigue just weeks before kickoff. The expanded tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11, 2026, and will run until July 19. While excitement continues to build around soccer’s biggest stage, questions surrounding logistics, travel, security, and participation remain central talking points. After weeks of uncertainty, Iran has now signaled that it is fully prepared for its national team to participate in the 2026 World Cup. The statement offers clarity at a crucial moment, with only 50 days remaining before the opening match of the tournament. According to comments made on state broadcaster IRIB, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said all required arrangements had already been completed. She explained that the Ministry of Youth and Sports had worked under official direction to ensure the squad would be ready for the global event. Mehdi Taremi of Iran. “The necessary arrangements have been made for the team’s successful participation,” she said. This is likely to reassure FIFA officials, tournament organizers, and supporters who had been wondering whether complications could disrupt Iran’s presence in the competition. Why this matters for FIFA Iran is one of Asia’s strongest soccer nations and had already secured qualification on sporting merit. Any uncertainty involving a qualified side would create major scheduling and organizational challenges for FIFA, especially in the first 48-team World Cup in history. Infantino had recently insisted that Iran was expected to take part. “But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he said in earlier remarks. He also stressed a broader principle that FIFA often promotes ahead of major tournaments. “Sports should be outside of politics.” Iran’s group stage schedule Iran has been placed in Group G, where it is set to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The nation’s opening fixture is expected to be against New Zealand, a match that could immediately shape the balance of the group. Current scheduling places Team Melli’s group-stage games in the United States, including matches on the West Coast. Two fixtures are expected in the Los Angeles area, while another is scheduled in Seattle. Should Iran advance to the knockout rounds, further matches would likely also take place in the United States. That makes planning, travel coordination, and training camp arrangements especially important.

Tehran says all necessary arrangements have been made for participation in the tournament cohosted by the US.

Le possibilità che il governo iraniano non permetta alla nazionale di partecipare ai prossimi Mondiali si alzano

Iran-New Zealand, Iran-Belgium and Bosnia & Herzegovina-Switzerland are all outpacing the opening game for the United States at the World Cup for ticket sales.

Iran's team is preparing for the FIFA World Cup but may not travel to the tournament, Sport Minister Donyamali says.

Nel suo intervento a Radio Rai, all'interno della trasmissione Radio Anch'io Sport, Evelina Christillin, ex membro UEFA nel consiglio FIFA, ha parlato anche dell'ipotesi ripescaggio dell'Italia al prossimo Mondiale: "Vedo abbastanza difficile la partecipazione dell'Iran al Mondiale. Il presidente della federcalcio iraniana ha detto che vogliono giocare, mentre il governo iraniano mi sembra molto più prudente. Manca un mese e mezzo all'inizio del Mondiale, veramente difficile immaginare la loro partecipazione, anche se io me lo auguro. Scenari? È tutto nelle mani della Fifa: secondo il regolamento 6.7 il Consiglio Fifa può decidere su suggerimento dell'amministrazione. Quindi decide Infantino e poi fa votare il Consiglio dando il suggerimento che è meglio seguire. L'Italia ha il ranking più alto delle escluse, 12esima. Gli Emirati Arabi Uniti sono la prima squadra non qualificata dell'AFC, la confederazione asiatica. Permettermi un suggerimento di cuore: l'anno scorso, con un rigore piuttosto inesistente al 97', la Palestina è stata eliminata dall'Oman nelle qualificazioni asiatiche. Sarebbe un bel gesto ripescare Palestina in questo momento". Si è paventata l'idea di un super playoff che potrebbe coinvolgere l'Italia: "Pensare di qualificarsi per il rotto della cuffia perché un'altra Nazionale non può giocare è un po' umiliante per una Nazionale che ha vinto quattro Mondiali".