Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi has dismissed a proposal for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, calling it “not appropriate” and “not possible”. The suggestion was made by Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy to US president Donald Trump, who argued that the four-time winners would have the pedigree to justify inclusion. However, Abodi insisted qualification must be earned on the pitch.
Iran’s participation has been questioned due to the war with the US and Israel, with the team scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. While there were talks of moving games to Mexico, that idea appears unlikely. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran “will be at the World Cup”, and they have not requested to withdraw.
If Iran were to pull out, the United Arab Emirates, as the next-highest-ranked Asian team not qualified, are considered the most likely replacements. Italy’s third consecutive World Cup absence has triggered deep introspection, with football federation president Gabriele Gravina resigning and manager Gennaro Gattuso stepping down.
