Italy handed World Cup lifeline after missing out on tournament for third time in a row

This latest failure means the four-time world champions have now failed to qualify for three successive World Cup tournaments, representing an unprecedented low point for one of football's most storied nations.

Yet a remote possibility of redemption exists should Iran withdraw from the competition, with Italy currently sitting as the highest-ranked team among those who failed to secure qualification.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States has cast significant doubt over whether the Iranian team will take part in the tournament, given that America is co-hosting the competition.

In February, a joint military operation conducted by the US and Israel resulted in a missile strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dramatically escalating tensions between the nations.

Iran's sports minister subsequently stated that the country does "not have the possibility for participation" in the World Cup, raising serious questions about their involvement.

Despite these developments, no definitive ruling has been issued regarding Iran's status, leaving the situation unresolved as the tournament approaches.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy through Truth Social, urging the Iranian national team to reconsider their participation on safety grounds.

"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," Trump wrote.

The Iranian response was swift and defiant, with officials insisting their team "cannot be removed" from the competition.

In a pointed counter-argument, Iran suggested that if any nation should consider withdrawing from the tournament, it ought to be the United States themselves rather than the Iranian squad.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino appeared to settle the matter this week with an unequivocal declaration of support for Iranian participation.

"We want Iran to play and Iran will play at the World Cup," Infantino stated, adding: "There is no plan B, C or D there is only plan A."

The FIFA chief emphasised that "Iran represent their people both those living in Iran and those living abroad."

Under FIFA regulations, the governing body retains sole discretion to determine any replacement should a team withdraw, though another Asian nation would likely be selected to maintain continental representation.

Iran's group stage campaign is scheduled to begin on 16 June against New Zealand, followed by fixtures against Belgium in California and Egypt in Seattle.