FIFA has firmly rejected any notion of replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, following a controversial proposal from an envoy of US President Donald Trump. The suggestion, made amid ongoing Middle East conflicts, has been met with a definitive response from world football's governing body.
US Envoy's Proposal Rejected
Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy to President Trump, floated the idea of swapping Iran for Italy in the upcoming tournament, which is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11. Italy failed to qualify for the third consecutive time after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff on March 31. However, FIFA has stated that no consideration has been given to such a move, with president Gianni Infantino reiterating that Iran's participation is certain.
FIFA's Stance on Iran
In response to the proposal, FIFA pointed to Infantino's recent comments where he declared, "The Iranian team is coming, for sure." The FIFA president has consistently supported Iran's presence, stating, "We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup. There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A. Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad." Infantino made these remarks last month after watching Iran play Costa Rica in a friendly in Turkey, praising the team's strength and expressing excitement for their participation.
Political Context
Trump has previously deemed Iran's participation inappropriate given the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran, despite a current ceasefire. Zampolli's suggestion, reported by the Financial Times, was partly motivated by a desire to mend US-Italy relations after tensions arose from Trump's comments about Pope Leo XIV. However, FIFA maintains full authority over World Cup decisions, and Infantino, despite being a close ally of Trump, has dismissed any changes regarding Iran, including earlier calls to move their matches from the US west coast to Mexico.
Iran's World Cup Schedule
Iran qualified for the 48-team tournament and is scheduled to play in Group G against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and against Egypt in Seattle. With just 49 days until the World Cup begins, FIFA's position remains unchanged, ensuring Iran's place in the competition.
