FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup despite a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Paolo Zampolli.
Speculation over Iran’s participation had grown because of the ongoing war involving the U.S., Israel and Iran, but world football’s governing body has reaffirmed that Iran will take part as scheduled. Zampolli, an Italian‑American and long‑time Trump ally, told the Financial Times he had suggested to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that four‑time champions Italy be invited to take Iran’s place at the U.S.‑hosted tournament.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said, describing it as a “dream” to see the Azzurri at a World Cup staged in the United States. Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing a play‑off to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.
FIFA did not issue a fresh statement on Zampolli’s idea, but pointed back to comments made by Infantino last week in which he insisted: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.” The FT reported that Zampolli’s proposal was also aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Rome after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Trump over remarks about Pope Leo XIV.
Under FIFA rules, the organisation has “sole discretion” over what happens if a qualified team withdraws or is excluded and could choose to replace that team with another association. However, Infantino stressed that Iran had qualified on merit and “really want to play,” adding that “sports should be outside of politics” and expressing hope that the security situation will be peaceful enough by June.
Iran are due to 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, co‑hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, kicks off on 11 June.
Earlier in March, Iran had publicly raised safety concerns after U.S. and Israeli air strikes and said it was negotiating with FIFA about possibly relocating its group matches to Mexico, but Infantino later confirmed the games would go ahead in the U.S. as planned. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has since said Iran is “fully prepared” to participate in the tournament. Zampolli made a similar request for Italy to replace another team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when he served as a UN ambassador.
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