FIFA will not replace Iran with Italy for the 2026 World Cup scheduled for this summer. The US president Donald Trump’s special envoy confirmed proposing the switch due to the ongoing uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the tournament because of the war with US and Israel.
”I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times.
“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,” Zampolli added.
The FT reported Zampolli’s plan was suggested as a truce between the US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Trump over his comments towards Pope Leo XIV.
FIFA is yet to make an official statement on Zampolli’s suggestion. However, under FIFA rules, the world governing body has “sole discretion” on what happens if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition.
Article six of its World Cup regulations also says: “Fifa may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that the Iranian team “is coming, for sure.”
“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,” he said in Washington.
Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for their third successive World Cup following a qualification play-off defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties last month. Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11 and will be hosted by US, Canada and Mexico.
