Could Italy Still Qualify for the 2026 World Cup? What It Means for Fans and Tickets

What does this mean for World Cup 2026 tickets?

Even though Italy is not currently qualified, situations like this highlight how quickly demand for tickets can shift.

If a major football nation such as Italy were to be added unexpectedly, interest in matches involving the Azzurri would surge. High-profile games, especially those played in major U.S. cities, would likely see rapid sell-outs and significant price increases in the resale market.

At the same time, fans who had purchased team-specific tickets for Iran would typically receive refunds if the team were no longer allowed to participate. However, supporters who had already booked flights or accommodation specifically to follow Iran could still face significant costs, as these travel arrangements are often non-refundable.

How to find World Cup tickets

Demand for 2026 World Cup tickets is already high, particularly for high-profile matches such as the opening event. One option to purchase your tickets is through the official resale platform provided by FIFA, where ticket holders may offer their tickets for resale at regulated conditions.

Another option is to use a price comparison platforms such as Ticketseal, which allows fans to view event listings from multiple verified ticket providers.

A snapshot of the cheapest World Cup 2026 ticket prices currently listed on the platform is shown below.

What if Italy did make it?

While impossible, if Italy were somehow added to the tournament, several things would likely happen:

• A sharp increase in demand for Italy matches
• Faster sell-outs for group stage games
• Rising ticket prices across multiple fixtures

Historically, teams with large global fanbases, such as Italy, have a direct impact on ticket availability and market prices.