FIFA has reaffirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, dismissing a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to replace the Islamic Republic with Italy. The world football governing body stated it has no intention of substituting Iran at the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Background of the Proposal
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. Zampolli, an Italian native, expressed that seeing the Azzurri play in the U.S.-hosted tournament would be a dream, citing Italy's four World Cup titles as justification for inclusion.
FIFA did not officially comment on Zampolli's suggestion but highlighted Infantino's recent statement: "The Iranian team is coming, for sure." The Iranian embassy criticized the proposal, calling it evidence of "moral bankruptcy" by the United States. In a post on X, the embassy stated, "Italy has earned its greatness in football on the pitch, not thanks to political privileges. 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."
Italy's Qualification Status
Four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup after a playoff defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina last month. Italy's economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti labeled 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 rejected the notion, stating he would feel "offended" and emphasized that World Cup participation must be earned.
Iran's Preparations
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament begins on June 11. An Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohejerani, confirmed that the national team is preparing for "proud and successful participation" in the World Cup. Despite the war that began on February 28, the Iranian soccer league has shut down, but the team has continued practicing in Tehran.
Infantino met with Iranian soccer leaders and players in Turkey on March 31, where the team played warmup matches. He promised to help find a training camp outside Iran, possibly in Turkey, where Iran previously played against Nigeria and Costa Rica in Antalya. FIFA has not yet confirmed details of the camp.
FIFA's Authority
Under FIFA rules, the organization has "sole discretion" over team replacements if a member withdraws or is excluded. Article six of the World Cup regulations states that FIFA may decide to replace the participating member association with another. However, FIFA has consistently maintained that Iran will adhere to the schedule determined in December.
