With Nigeria’s Super Eagles or Italy? United States ask FIFA to replace Iran

Italy may be in a stronger position than Nigeria’s Super Eagles if a late opening appears for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with political backing and football pedigree shaping the conversation, Afrik-Foot reports.

Reports in recent days suggest that Italy could be considered as a replacement should Iran withdraw from the tournament in North America. While Nigeria has been mentioned in online debates, the weight of official discussions appears to favour the four-time world champions.

Nigeria’s painful road to missing out

For the first time since 1990, the Super Eagles will miss back-to-back World Cups. The Super Eagles’ qualification journey for 2026 was marked by inconsistency, a late recovery, and eventual heartbreak.

Nigeria began poorly in Group C under former coaches Jose Peseiro and Finidi George. They failed to win any of their opening four matches, drawing against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Benin. That slow start proved costly.

A turnaround followed after Eric Chelle was appointed in January 2025. Nigeria won four and drew two of their remaining matches, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin. They finished second in the group with 17 points, just one behind South Africa, who secured automatic qualification with 18 points.

That meant Nigeria had to go through the CAF play-offs. They beat Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final to set up a decisive clash with DR Congo on November 16, 2025. The final ended 1-1 after extra time, but Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties, ending their hopes.

The Nigeria Football Federation later filed a complaint to FIFA over the eligibility of some DR Congo players, including those with dual nationality. However, the petition was rejected due to lack of evidence, confirming Nigeria’s elimination.

Missing the World Cup comes with serious consequences. The NFF has lost out on at least $10.5 million (about ₦15.5 billion) in prize money and preparation funding. There have also been growing calls for reform, with former captain John Mikel Obi urging a complete overhaul of Nigerian football administration.

Italy’s own collapse and sudden lifeline

Italy’s situation is different, but equally painful. The Azzurri have now missed three consecutive World Cups, an unprecedented run for a nation with four titles.

Their 2026 qualification campaign started well but ended in disappointment. Italy finished second in Group I with 18 points, behind a perfect Norway side that won all eight matches. Heavy defeats, 3-0 in Oslo and 4-1 at the San Siro, proved decisive.

They kept hope alive by beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in the play-off semi-final in March but the final against Bosnia and Herzegovina a few days later turned into another nightmare.

Moise Kean gave Italy an early lead in the 15th minute. However, Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the 41st minute, shifting momentum. Bosnia equalised in the 79th minute, and after extra time ended 1-1, Italy lost 4-1 on penalties.

The fallout was immediate. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned, calling the failure a ‘tough pill to swallow.’ Federation president Gabriele Gravina and delegation head Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down, triggering elections set for June 2026.

Political backing and Zampolli’s proposal

Italy’s unexpected return to the conversation is presently being driven by the support from the United States.

United States envoy Paolo Zampolli has openly suggested that Italy should replace Iran if the Asian nation withdraws.

Speaking on the idea as per FoxNews, he said:

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament.

“With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

Zampolli’s comments follow the argument that Italy is the highest-ranked team among those who failed to qualify, making them the most logical sporting choice.

There is also a commercial argument. Italy’s presence would likely boost global viewership, sponsorship, and broadcast revenue for FIFA.

Nigeria Super Eagles’ slimmer path to the 2026 World Cup

Nigeria’s case is less straightforward. The Super Eagles’ hopes were largely tied to the NFF’s failed petition against DR Congo. With that route closed, any chance of inclusion would depend on FIFA making an exceptional decision.

There is also a wider debate about fairness. Some critics argue that if Iran withdraws, the replacement should come from the Asian confederation, not Europe or Africa. That could favour teams like Iraq or the United Arab Emirates instead.

As it stands, Iran remains in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted there is ‘no Plan B,’ even as reports suggest Iran has requested to play its matches in Mexico rather than the United States.

Nigeria and Italy: A tale of two federations

The situation has also exposed a sharp contrast in how Italy and Nigeria have responded to failure.

In Italy, the reaction was swift and decisive, with top officials resigning and responsibility taken at the highest level.

In Nigeria, the NFF leadership has remained in place, choosing to apologise and promise internal reviews instead. President Ibrahim Gusau and his board have faced strong criticism, with figures like Mikel Obi and Segun Odegbami calling for their resignation. A legal challenge in a Federal High Court in Yenagoa has added further pressure.

At the moment, both Nigeria and Italy remain on the outside looking in. But if the unexpected happens and a place opens up, Italy appear to have the edge.