Italy Not Set to Replace Iran at 2026 World Cup
Ranked 12th globally by Fifa, Italy stands as the highest-ranked team not participating in the 2026 World Cup.
According to sources, Fifa has no intention of replacing Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup, despite a proposal from US President Donald Trump's special envoy.
Concerns have persisted regarding Iran's participation in the tournament due to ongoing conflicts involving the US and Israel.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times:
"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 US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."
Fifa has not officially commented on Zampolli's suggestion but referenced a statement from Fifa president Gianni Infantino made last week:
"The Iranian team is coming, for sure."
The Iranian embassy criticized Zampolli's proposal, describing it as an example of "moral bankruptcy" by the United States.
"Italy has earned its greatness in football on the pitch, not thanks to political privileges," the Iranian embassy stated on X. "The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only reveals the 'moral bankruptcy' of the United States, which is afraid even of the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field of play."
The Financial Times reported that Zampolli's plan was suggested to ease tensions between the US and Italy following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's criticism of Trump over his remarks about Pope Leo XIV.
Italy, four-time World Cup champions, failed to qualify for their third consecutive tournament after losing a qualification play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
The tournament, commencing on 11 June, is hosted jointly by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Under Fifa regulations, the governing body holds "sole discretion" over actions if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition.
Article six of the World Cup regulations states:
"Fifa may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association."
Italy's economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described Zampolli's idea as "shameful," while sports minister Andrea Abodi told La Press:
"Firstly it is not possible, secondly it is not appropriate... You qualify on the pitch."
Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio also opposed the proposal, expressing personal offense:
"In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it."
Fifa's Position on Iran's Participation
Speaking last week in Washington, Infantino said:
"We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful (one). That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified, and they're actually quite a good team as well. They really want to play, and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics."
In March, after visiting Iran's team in Turkey, Infantino confirmed their matches would be played in the US as planned, following the Iranian football federation's announcement that it was "negotiating" with Fifa to relocate its games to Mexico.
On Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported that government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated Iran was "fully prepared" to participate in the tournament.
Zampolli had made a similar request to Fifa regarding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when serving as a United Nations ambassador.
In March, Iran announced it would not participate in the tournament, citing safety concerns after US and Israeli air strikes.
Trump previously stated that Iran would be "welcome" at the World Cup but suggested they might be better off not participating "for their own life and safety."
The White House World Cup Taskforce has been contacted for comment.
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