The International Football Federation (FIFA) considers the possibility of organizing an additional intercontinental playoff before the start of the 2026 World Cup. As The Athletic reports, the reason for this is the serious risks of the possible non-participation of the national team of Iran, which had previously already secured its place in the final stage of the World Cup.

Nowadays, the fate of the Iranian national team is facing great challenges through difficult political conditions and security problems. This situation is disturbing the FIFA administration and is urgently preparing alternative options in order to fill a potentially vacant place in the tournament if necessary..

One of the main scenarios that is currently being seen on the sidelines of the organization involves holding a special mini-tournament. This format may include the participation of four teams: two representatives of the European zone (UEFA) and two from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Surviving this additional mini-play-off will give you a ticket to the World Championships.

According to unofficial information, one of the European teams in whose tournament may have selected Italy, which could not meet the standard qualifying selection. The fate of Europeans in this format seems difficult to implement.

Traditionally, FIFA adheres to a strict principle: when a team is elected, its quota is transferred to another team from the same confederation (in which case - from Asia). Therefore, the participation of UEFA representatives in compliance with the basic rules of the organization.