FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup, despite a proposal from a special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to sources close to the governing body.
The suggestion, made by U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli, was intended to resolve diplomatic tensions between Washington and Rome after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly criticized Trump’s comments about Pope Leo XIV.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” 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.”
FIFA declined to comment directly on the proposal but pointed to a recent statement by president Gianni Infantino, who said last week: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
Iran’s participation has been in doubt because of its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. In March, Tehran said it would not take part in the tournament, citing safety concerns following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. However, on Wednesday, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told Al Jazeera that Iran was “fully prepared” to compete.
The Iranian embassy in London condemned Zampolli’s suggestion, writing on X: “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.”
Four‑time champions Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after a playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month. Under FIFA rules, the governing body has “sole discretion” to replace a withdrawing or excluded team, and article six of its World Cup regulations states FIFA “may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
Nevertheless, Italian officials rejected the idea outright. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called it “shameful,” and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi told La Press: “First, it is not possible; second, it is not appropriate. You qualify on the pitch.” Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio said he would feel “offended,” adding: “In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.”
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins on June 11.
The White House World Cup Taskforce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
