Italy’s repechage to World Cup, FIFA has been thinking about it for some time: deputy coach’s revelation

FIFA has been pondering a possible substitution of Iran for Italy for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico for some time. Statements by Rene Meulensteen, Iraq’s deputy technical commissioner, made on March 10 last year have come to light: shortly after the start of the war between Tehran and the U.S.-Israel alliance and before the play-off between Italy and Bosnia that decreed the elimination of the Azzurri.

At TalkSport, Meulensteen had cited some internal rumors within the World Federation: “There are also rumors that if FIFA makes the final decision, it might push the team with the highest FIFA ranking to replace Iran, which is Italy. You might ask: who would they rather have at the World Cup?”

On a sporting and regulatory level, FIFA will have to lift the reservation by the end of April or early May. Should the post actually become vacant, in pole position for a direct replacement would remain an Asian selection, with the United Arab Emirates in the front row. Hypotheses on the table also include an intercontinental mini-tournament involving Italy and Denmark among the Europeans – 13th and 20th in the FIFA rankings, respectively – as well as Asian representatives such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The FIFA regulations, in Article 6.7, however, leave any scenario open, stating that “FIFA will decide on the matter at its sole discretion and will take any action deemed necessary.” Nigeria and Bolivia have also made their voices heard, with the Bolivian federation ready for an official challenge at FIFA should it be excluded from a possible repechage tournament.

In Italy, the proposal has caused more embarrassment than enthusiasm. A Gazzetta dello Sport poll recorded a clear result: the “No, the World Cup had to be won on the field” option overwhelmingly won with 78.3 percent of the vote, against 21.7 percent in favor of repechage, out of more than 27,000 voters. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti was lapidary: “I find it shameful. I would be ashamed,” while CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio said he was “offended” at the idea, stressing that “participation in a World Cup should be deserved.”

Journalist Enrico Mentana also spoke of a prospect that was “squalid and unfair, and offensive to our sports history.” A voice partially out of the chorus is that of former FIGC president Giancarlo Abete, who while expressing “great perplexity” about the regulatory plan, left a glimmer open: “As fans, one can only hope.”